outgrowth

noun

out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth How to pronounce outgrowth (audio)
1
: a process or product of growing out
an outgrowth of hair
2
: consequence, by-product
crime is often an outgrowth of poverty

Examples of outgrowth in a Sentence

trimmed back some of the tree's outgrowths so they wouldn't interfere with the power lines a predictable outgrowth of the suburb's ever growing population will be the need for more schools
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.
Ross’ career creating comic book heroes and villains began as an outgrowth of an assignment 25 years ago to create a life-size portrait of Superman that was designed to be a cardboard standup. Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 Veteran actor Neal McDonough produced, co-wrote and stars in The Last Rodeo, its traditionally feel-good story line an outgrowth of his and producer-wife Ruve McDonough’s growing love for PBR, which has a significant presence in the film. David Bloom, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 That’s an outgrowth of months of success, dating back to last season, in coming through in the most important moments. Tim Britton, New York Times, 13 May 2025 The trend was a natural outgrowth of the North American Free Trade Agreement, signed in 1994, which lowered tariffs between the U.S., Mexico and Canada and prioritized economic cooperation among the nations. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outgrowth

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outgrowth was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Outgrowth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outgrowth. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

outgrowth

noun
out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth How to pronounce outgrowth (audio)
1
: something that grows out of or develops from something else
2

Medical Definition

outgrowth

noun
out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth How to pronounce outgrowth (audio)
1
: the process of growing out
in vitro, dopamine modifies axonal and dendritic outgrowthLinda C. Mayes
2
: something that grows directly out of something else
an outgrowth of hair
a bony outgrowth

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