outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a violent expression of feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a surge of activity or growth
new outbursts of creative powerC. E. Montague
3
: eruption
volcanic outbursts

Examples of outburst in a Sentence

the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour
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.
Damon Valdez singled in the fourth run of the inning and singled in a run in the Griffins’ four-run outburst in the sixth. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 20 May 2025 William followed up a Day 1 bagel with a 24-point outburst in Day 2, while Bates shot 1 of 6 on the first day but scored 19 points on eight shots on the second day. John Hollinger, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The Irish added a run in the seventh on a Davis Johnson RBI single, then broke the game open with a five-run outburst in the top of the eighth. Miami Herald, 18 May 2025 The senior delivered the bases-clearing triple off the right-field fence in the bottom of the fifth inning, extending the Raiders’ lead to 5-1 amid a seven-run outburst and leading to St. Thomas Aquinas’ fifth straight win. Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for outburst

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outburst was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

outburst

noun
out·​burst -ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a sudden increase in activity or growth

More from Merriam-Webster on outburst

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!