infrastructure

noun

in·​fra·​struc·​ture ˈin-frə-ˌstrək-chər How to pronounce infrastructure (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
1
: the system of public works of a country, state, or region
also : the resources (such as personnel, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity
2
: the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)
3
: the permanent installations required for military purposes
infrastructural adjective

Did you know?

Infra- means "below;" so the infrastructure is the "underlying structure" of a country and its economy, the fixed installations that it needs in order to function. These include roads, bridges, dams, the water and sewer systems, railways and subways, airports, and harbors. These are generally government-built and publicly owned. Some people also speak about such things as the intellectual infrastructure or the infrastructure of science research, but the meaning of such notions can be extremely vague.

Examples of infrastructure in a Sentence

More money is needed to save the crumbling infrastructure of the nation's rural areas. We need to spend more money on maintaining and repairing infrastructure.
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.
Zelenskyy had been seeking the Tomahawks, which would allow Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory and target key military sites, energy facilities and critical infrastructure. Chris Megerian, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 These bombs, which carry a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds), largely target Ukrainian forces and infrastructure close to the front lines. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 Schools, hospitals, as well as water and electricity infrastructure have all been devastated during the two-year war from Israel’s extensive military campaign on the Gaza Strip, Amr said. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2025 The costs of upgrading utility infrastructure are climbing, as well. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infrastructure

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of infrastructure was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Infrastructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infrastructure. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

infrastructure

noun
in·​fra·​struc·​ture ˈin-frə-ˌstrək-chər How to pronounce infrastructure (audio)
1
: the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)
2
: the system of public works of a country, state, or region
also : the resources (as people, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity

More from Merriam-Webster on infrastructure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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