induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of inducting (as into office)

b

: the formality by which a civilian is inducted into military service

c

: an initial experience : initiation

2

a(1)

: inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances compare deduction sense 2a

(2)

: a conclusion arrived at by induction

b

: mathematical demonstration of the validity of a law concerning all the positive integers by proving that it holds for the integer 1 and that if it holds for an arbitrarily chosen positive integer k, it must hold for the integer k + 1

called also mathematical induction

3

a

: the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit

b

: the inspiration of the fuel-air charge from the carburetor into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine

c

: the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about

4

a

: the act of bringing forward or adducing something (such as facts or particulars)

b

: the act of causing or bringing on or about

5

: a preface, prologue, or introductory scene especially of an early English play

Synonyms

• inauguration
• inaugural
• initiation

Examples of induction in a Sentence

Many people attended the bishop's induction.

The induction ceremony was held at a banquet hall.

the registration and induction of draftees

Recent Examples on the Web

The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

There were ten CMOs eligible for induction into the 2025 Forbes CMO Hall of Fame class. —Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

With 75% needed for induction, Garvey never got higher than 42.6% of votes on the Hall of Fame ballot, back in 1995. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

The kitchen, meanwhile, fits in a large fridge/freezer, a sink, an induction cooktop, and space for more appliances, plus cabinetry. —New Atlas, 19 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing induction

• induction coil
• induction heating
• induction motor
• mathematical induction
• pre-induction
• self-induction

Rhymes for induction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

Kids Definition

induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of inducting (as into office)

b

: a first experience of something : initiation

c

: the procedure by which a civilian is inducted into military service

2

: reasoning from particular examples to a general conclusion

3

a

: the act of causing or bringing on or about

b

: the process of producing an electrical or magnetic effect through the influence of a nearby magnet, electric current, or electrically charged body

Medical Definition

induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the act of causing or bringing on or about

induction of labor

specifically : the establishment of the initial state of anesthesia often with an agent other than that used subsequently to maintain the anesthetic state

2

: the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit

3

a

: arousal of a part or area (as of the retina) by stimulation of an adjacent part or area

b

: the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about

induct

in-ˈdəkt 

transitive verb