outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk How to pronounce outbreak (audio)
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
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 recall stemmed from a Salmonella outbreak that, as of Nov. 26, has sickened at least 68 people, 18 of whom have been hospitalized. Korin Miller, Health, 6 Dec. 2024 What states have been impacted by salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers? Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 But at the present time, too little is known about the current outbreak. Dave Wessner, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 ground textile manufacturing to a halt but did not diminish demand for its output. Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outbreak 

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outbreak was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near outbreak

Cite this Entry

“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outbreak. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

outbreak

noun
out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk How to pronounce outbreak (audio)
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 How to pronounce outbreak (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on outbreak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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