evacuation

noun

evac·​u·​a·​tion i-ˌva-kyə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce evacuation (audio)
-kyü-ˈā-
1
: the act or process of evacuating
2
: something evacuated or discharged

Examples of evacuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ukrainian officials said the units for the counteroffensive lacked sufficient de-mining and evacuation vehicles. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023 Israel on Sunday ordered more evacuations in and around Gaza's second-largest city of Khan Younis, followed by heavy bombardment, as the military's offensive shifted to the southern half of the territory, where Israeli officials say Hamas leaders are hiding. Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2023 In Japan, authorities issued evacuation orders in various parts of Okinawa Prefecture, including for the entire coastal area, affecting thousands of people. Cristian Santana, NBC News, 2 Dec. 2023 Israel’s latest evacuation orders in southern Gaza could force residents in a large swath of territory along the Israeli border to flee. Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2023 Israeli forces have indicated the next stage of their military campaign could focus on southern Gaza, which reveals a precarious situation given Israel's military ordered the evacuation of more than a million Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south. Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, 29 Nov. 2023 California Full coverage: Rolling Hills Estates landslide damages homes, forces evacuations July 13, 2023 But Blum, the attorney representing Peartree Lane residents, said the historical reports aren’t necessarily a smoking gun for the July slide. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023 Humanitarian groups have urged Israel to call off the evacuation of the northern part of Gaza and agree to a cease-fire, even as the country has asserted a right to defend itself against Hamas -- a right the Biden administration endorses. Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2023 In addition to the release of hostages, a pause in fighting in Gaza is expected for humanitarian reasons, which could facilitate the evacuation of facilities caught in the fighting such as the Indonesian Hospital. Paul Schemm, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evacuation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evacuation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near evacuation

Cite this Entry

“Evacuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evacuation. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Medical Definition

evacuation

noun
evac·​u·​a·​tion i-ˌvak-yə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce evacuation (audio)
1
: the act or process of evacuating
2
: something evacuated or discharged
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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