eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

a

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

b

: the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane

2

: a product of erupting (such as a skin rash)

Synonyms of eruption

• explosion
• outburst
• burst

Examples of eruption in a Sentence

a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won

the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history

Recent Examples on the Web

Such a cloud is typically linked to an eruption of heavy elements—those created during a neutron star collision and its resulting kilonova. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

The night that inspired Gothic literature In 1815, a volcanic eruption in Indonesia released a massive cloud of ash and particulates, large enough to affect global weather. — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026

And when the track finally resumed, the lyrics were nearly drowned out by the eruption of cheers as his silhouette was illuminated by golden lights. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

The designation indicates heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption, or an eruption underway with limited hazards to aviation. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing eruption

• creeping eruption
• post-eruption

Rhymes for eruption

• corruption
• disruption
• irruption
• incorruption
• interruption

Kids Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

2

: a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

Medical Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

the eruption of the tooth from the gum

specifically : the breaking out of an exanthem or enanthem on the skin or mucous membrane (as in measles)

2

: something produced by an act or process of erupting: as

a

: the condition of the skin or mucous membrane caused by erupting

b

: one of the lesions (as a pustule) constituting this condition