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
Early supply chain disruptions due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic were blamed with kicking off higher prices.
—
Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
There have been three prominent Listeria outbreaks recorded in the United States this year connected to prepared foods, including pasta meals such as chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
So when more children fall ill amid rising rates of outbreaks, fewer doctors will be available to care for them.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas cruise ship was hit with a norovirus outbreak that has sickened nearly 100 people.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
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.
Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
There have been three prominent Listeria outbreaks recorded in the United States this year connected to prepared foods, including pasta meals such as chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
So when more children fall ill amid rising rates of outbreaks, fewer doctors will be available to care for them.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas cruise ship was hit with a norovirus outbreak that has sickened nearly 100 people.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 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 7 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share