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

Imagine one over Italy’s Mount Etna during a strombolian eruption or in Hawaii with Kilauea’s fountains in the foreground. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026

Francesco was known to be an alchemist who experimented with chemical substances, which could explain the skin eruptions, Giuffra added. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Because of its location, Goma has been affected by eruptions of Nyiragongo. — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026

Less chances of error The island of Vulcano hasn’t actually had a major eruption since the late 19th century (1888–1890). — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 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