dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Synonyms of dispersal

• dispersion
• scattering

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means

Recent Examples on the Web

Hainan gibbons are arboreal frugivores – tree-dwelling animals that consume mostly fruit – and are essential for forest ecosystems on the island because of their role in seed dispersal and canopy balance, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

Police should give demonstrators clear instructions concerning the dispersal order before they are arrested or charged with any crime, according to ACLU. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 14 Feb. 2026

Los Angeles police issued a dispersal order Wednesday after a massive student protest over federal immigration enforcement efforts spiraled into violence in downtown LA. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Several dozen demonstrators also gathered at Temple and Alameda streets near the federal building, and a broadcast report said police issued a dispersal order there. —City News Service, Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dispersal

• demersal
• rehearsal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another