outbreak
noun
out·break
ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 
1
a
: a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency
the outbreak of war
b
: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease
an outbreak of measles
c
: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area
an outbreak of locusts
2
Examples of outbreak in a Sentence
there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room
the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency
Recent Examples on the Web
In Central America, outbreaks of cold temperatures could occur, while in New England, New York and the Great Lakes, wet and cold conditions could bring heavier snowfall.
—
Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
As long as there are no other outbreaks, shoppers can expect cooler prices heading into the holiday season in addition to an abatement of egg-buying restrictions at grocery stores.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
High among their concerns are declining vaccination rates resulting in outbreaks of contagious diseases like pertussis — also known as whooping cough — and measles, a disease the United States declared eradicated in 2000.
—Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
The outbreak was forcing a shortage of eggs as well, leading some grocers to restrict how many dozens of eggs consumers could buy per visit.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
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Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
As long as there are no other outbreaks, shoppers can expect cooler prices heading into the holiday season in addition to an abatement of egg-buying restrictions at grocery stores.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
High among their concerns are declining vaccination rates resulting in outbreaks of contagious diseases like pertussis — also known as whooping cough — and measles, a disease the United States declared eradicated in 2000.
—Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
The outbreak was forcing a shortage of eggs as well, leading some grocers to restrict how many dozens of eggs consumers could buy per visit.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Cite this Entry
“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outbreak. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outbreak
noun
out·break
ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk
1
: a sudden increase in activity, use, or acceptance
the outbreak of war
2
: something (as an epidemic or revolution) that breaks out
an outbreak of measles
Medical Definition
outbreak
noun
out·break
ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk
1
: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease
an outbreak of measles
2
: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area
an outbreak of locusts
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