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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 power …C. 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.
While Jennings’ outburst may have seemed unwarranted to some, video from an incident earlier in the game showed that wasn’t true as cameras captured Moehrig punching Jennings below the belt, which seemingly prompted his fiery response. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025 That offensive outburst included a long mid-range jumper. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Nov. 2025 Since 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration has seen a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts, according to the Transportation Department. Kristin Wright, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025 An example of this emerges right at the start with Shirin’s first outburst, when Kadyr heroically rescues a goat from drowning and hands it to an old man who claims to be its owner. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 23 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 30 Nov. 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

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