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
As the decades passed, the crowding and filth in the rapidly growing cities in the industrializing nations of Europe and North America created perfect conditions to fuel epidemic outbreaks that could steal the lives of those of any age or rank, but were most dangerous for the very young.
—
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
The outbreak is not expected to cause beef prices -- which are already at an all-time high -- to increase, the experts said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 June 2026
After the woman departed the cruise liner where the hantavirus outbreak occurred, the ship continued to other destinations in the South Atlantic, with some passengers falling ill and at least three dying.
—Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Following an initial outbreak in Panama and Costa Rica in 2023, NWS has been moving northward through all of Central America and Mexico.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
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Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
The outbreak is not expected to cause beef prices -- which are already at an all-time high -- to increase, the experts said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 June 2026
After the woman departed the cruise liner where the hantavirus outbreak occurred, the ship continued to other destinations in the South Atlantic, with some passengers falling ill and at least three dying.
—Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Following an initial outbreak in Panama and Costa Rica in 2023, NWS has been moving northward through all of Central America and Mexico.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 11 June 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 12 Jun. 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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