outgrowth

noun

out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth How to pronounce outgrowth (audio)
Synonyms of outgrowthnext
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.
His interest in global health was an outgrowth from his time when, at age 15, he was stuck in a body cast for three months. David Morgan, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026 Conversely, the Chinese campaign is the outgrowth of a plan called Project 921, first backed by the Chinese Communist Party in 1992. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Feb. 2026 It was created in 2003, an outgrowth of a policy change after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026 The talks are an outgrowth of recent diplomatic activity, even though Russia has kept up its attacks on Ukraine and its energy infrastructure, leaving parts of the country without power amid a bitterly cold winter. Katie Marie Davies, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outgrowth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outgrowth. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

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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