industrial revolution

noun

: a rapid major change in an economy (as in England in the late 18th century) marked by the general introduction of power-driven machinery or by an important change in the prevailing types and methods of use of such machines

Examples of industrial revolution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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An arresting image, the technological Singularity as the industrial revolution in terrifying maturity; a teleology of this moment from when coal was first dug and iron first processed. Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026 When originally conceived, the Chocolate Wars drama planned to use the chocolate industry in the late 19th century as a microcosm to explore the industrial revolution and the roots of capitalism in a sweeping international saga. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026 There are many reasons why America bucks this global trend, but much of it comes down to an historic reliance on unions to fight for time off and their waning influence today, coupled with a demanding work culture that hasn’t evolved much since the industrial revolution. Joe O’Connor, Time, 13 Jan. 2026 More than 200 years ago, bison roamed freely across Illinois, but as the industrial revolution reshaped the landscape, the bison disappeared. Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for industrial revolution

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of industrial revolution was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Industrial revolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/industrial%20revolution. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

industrial revolution

noun
: a rapid major change in an economy (as in England in the late 18th century) marked by the general introduction of power-driven machinery

More from Merriam-Webster on industrial revolution

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