epicenter
noun
epi·cen·ter
ˈe-pi-ˌsen-tər 
1
: the part of the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake compare hypocenter sense 1
2
: center sense 2a
the epicenter of world finance
Did you know?
The meaning of epi- in epicenter is "over", so the epicenter of an earthquake lies over the center or "focus" of the quake. Epicenter can also refer to the centers of things that may seem in their own way as powerful—though not as destructive—as earthquakes. Wall Street, for example, might be said to lie at the epicenter of the financial world.
Examples of epicenter in a Sentence
by continually reinventing itself, Las Vegas has managed to remain a national epicenter for entertainment
Recent Examples on the Web
Treasury yields were holding a bit steadier in the bond market, which has been the epicenter of Wall Street’s action this week, but only after several sharp swings in the morning.
—
Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Charlotte is the epicenter of stock car auto racing.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025
The carousel was also the epicenter of a race riot in 1961 following police being called on a group of young Black boys jumping on and off it.
—David Allan, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Once known as the epicenter of whisky, there were over 100 Lowland distilleries in the 18th century.
—Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for epicenter
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Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Charlotte is the epicenter of stock car auto racing.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025
The carousel was also the epicenter of a race riot in 1961 following police being called on a group of young Black boys jumping on and off it.
—David Allan, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Once known as the epicenter of whisky, there were over 100 Lowland distilleries in the 18th century.
—Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for epicenter
Cite this Entry
“Epicenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epicenter. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
epicenter
noun
epi·cen·ter
ˈep-i-ˌsent-ər
: the part of the earth's surface directly above the starting point of an earthquake
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