onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset 

ˈän-

1

: attack, assault

withstand the onset of the army

2

: beginning, commencement

the onset of winter

the onset of age-related diseases

Synonyms of onset

• attack
• assault
• onslaught
• raid
• offensive
• aggression
• offense
• strike

Examples of onset in a Sentence

the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion

the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster

Recent Examples on the Web

These brain changes can, however, be early warning signs in the years before the onset of a stroke or memory problems. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

The onset of Parkinson’s disease led Louise to retire, despite her love for DePaul, the museum and its mission. — Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Authorities warned against hiking this route this time of year due to deteriorating conditions and the onset of winter weather. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

At the onset, Marianne is 19, Elinor is 16 and Margaret is 13. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing onset

• adult-onset diabetes
• juvenile-onset diabetes

Rhymes for onset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset 

ˈän-

1

: attack entry 2 sense 1

2

: beginning sense 1

Medical Definition

onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset, ˈän- 

: the initial existence or symptoms of a disease

the onset of scarlet fever