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
Before the outbreak of its latest war with Israel in 2023, estimates of Hezbollah's military strength ranged from 30,000 to more than 50,000 operatives.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The virus primarily affects infants and young children, but there have also been outbreaks in elderly populations, such as nursing homes.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
So far, the Health Department has announced 35 influenza outbreaks from nursing homes or other congregate-setting institutions this flu season, with none occurring in the past week.
—Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2026
Reiskind said that if there is an outbreak, there is often community-wide action to mitigate risk, like spraying for mosquitos.
—Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
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David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
The virus primarily affects infants and young children, but there have also been outbreaks in elderly populations, such as nursing homes.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
So far, the Health Department has announced 35 influenza outbreaks from nursing homes or other congregate-setting institutions this flu season, with none occurring in the past week.
—Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2026
Reiskind said that if there is an outbreak, there is often community-wide action to mitigate risk, like spraying for mosquitos.
—Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Cite this Entry
“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outbreak. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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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