onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
: an especially fierce attack
the tremendous onslaught across the RhineSir Winston Churchill
also : something resembling such an attack
an onslaught of technological changes
Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates.

Examples of onslaught in a Sentence

an onslaught by the enemy the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise
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.
The onslaught began with a 53-yard TD strike from Gebhardt to Domonique Young. Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025 But the map faces an onslaught of attacks in the courtroom and, potentially, the ballot box. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025 The 2025 New York Film Festival marks the end of the major fall festivals — following the glamour of Venice, the tranquility of Telluride, and the onslaught of Toronto — and thus serves as the last chance for a surge of festival buzz to change the complexion of the awards race. Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 Often, that means shredding into a relentless onslaught of enemies who aim to stop him by any means necessary. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for onslaught

Word History

Etymology

modification of Dutch aanslag act of striking; akin to Old English an on and to Old English slēan to strike — more at slay

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onslaught was circa 1625

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Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onslaught. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

onslaught

noun
on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
: a violent attack

More from Merriam-Webster on onslaught

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