evolution

noun

evo·lu·tion | \ ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən

, ˌē-və- \

Definition of evolution

1a : descent with modification from preexisting species : cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations Evolution is a process of continuous branching and diversification from common trunks. This pattern of irreversible separation gives life's history its basic directionality.— Stephen Jay Gould also : the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization) Since 1950, developments in molecular biology have had a growing influence on the theory of evolution. — Nature In Darwinian evolution, the basic mechanism is genetic mutation, followed by selection of the organisms most likely to survive. — Pamela Weintraub

b : the historical development of a biological group (such as a species) : phylogeny

2a : a process of change in a certain direction : unfolding

b : the action or an instance of forming and giving something off : emission

c(1) : a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state : growth

(2) : a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance

d : something evolved

3 : the process of working out or developing

4 : the extraction of a mathematical root

5 : a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena

6 : one of a set of prescribed movements

Other Words from evolution Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing evolution Learn More About evolution

Other Words from evolution

evolutionarily \ ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ə-lē

, ˌē-və- \ adverb

evolutionary \ ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē

, ˌē-və- \ adjective

evolutionism \ ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌni-zəm

, ˌē-və- \ noun

evolutionist \ ˌe-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist

, ˌē-və- \ noun or adjective

Examples of evolution in a Sentence

changes brought about by evolution an important step in the evolution of computers

Recent Examples on the Web Taking its title from that of George Balanchine’s first American ballet, which premièred in 1934, this personal history by a former New York City Ballet dancer blends various accounts of the work’s—and the company’s—creation and evolution. — The New Yorker, 9 May 2022 Mama Emilia is pupusa evolution unfolding in real time. — Washington Post, 9 May 2022 For Sumpter, this means getting honest about her struggles and evolution as a mother to five-year-old Ella-Loren, for one. — L'oreal Thompson Payton, SELF, 6 May 2022 Keeping tabs on viral evolution using genomic techniques, beyond just testing a subset of positive PCR tests, will be critical around the world to keep the coronavirus under control, Engelthaler said. — Melina Walling, The Arizona Republic, 6 May 2022 Technology is another area that is undergoing a massive evolution, including artificial intelligence, robotics and even how to work together in the cloud. — Michael Kurland, Forbes, 6 May 2022 The required plate discipline and power – paired with health – has been a long time coming, an evolution both of mechanics and mindset. — Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 5 May 2022 Conversely, Spurrier said Saban’s ability to adapt to the latest round of offensive evolution speaks to his legacy. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, 4 May 2022 Through Child’s perspective, the series explores the emergence of public television as a new social institution, feminism and the women’s movement, the nature of celebrity and America’s cultural evolution. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'evolution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for evolution

borrowed from New Latin ēvolūtiōn-, ēvolūtiō "unfolding of a curve (in geometry), emergence from an enclosing structure, historical development," going back to Medieval Latin, "unfolding of a tale, lapse of time," going back to Latin, "unrolling of a papyrus scroll while reading it," from ēvolū-, variant stem of ēvolvere "to roll out or away, unwind, unroll" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at evolve

Learn More About evolution

Dictionary Entries Near evolution

evolute

evolution

evolutional

Statistics for evolution

Last Updated

14 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evolution. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for evolution

evolution

noun

evo·lu·tion | \ ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən

, ˌē-və- \

Kids Definition of evolution

1 : the theory that the various kinds of existing animals and plants have come from kinds that existed in the past

2 : the process of development of an animal or a plant

evolution

noun

evo·lu·tion | \ ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən also ˌē-və- \

Medical Definition of evolution

1 : a process of change in a certain direction tumor evolution and progression— I. J. Fidler et al.

2a : descent with modification from preexisting species : cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations also : the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization) Since 1950, developments in molecular biology have had a growing influence on the theory of evolution. — Nature

b : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : phylogeny

Other Words from evolution

evolutionarily \ -shə-ˌner-ə-lē

\ adverb

evolutionary \ -shə-ˌner-ē

\ adjective