fragmentation

noun

frag·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfrag-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce fragmentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
: the act or process of fragmenting or making fragmentary
2
: the state of being fragmented or fragmentary
fragmentate verb

Examples of fragmentation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This led the conglomerate to start including fiber fragmentation in its wider water strategy, rather than siloing it on its own. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Nov. 2025 That hypothesized fragmentation is even more interesting than the near-twin meteor showers suggest. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2025 Effectiveness drops sharply with shorter barrels or longer ranges when velocity falls below the fragmentation threshold. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025 The fragmentation of this reality has made things exciting, confusing, and frustrating for the average individual who, when walking into a dispensary for the first time, is confronted with a wall of packages and detailed, jargony labels. Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragmentation

Word History

Etymology

fragment entry 2 + -ation, probably after French fragmentation

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragmentation was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Fragmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragmentation. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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