propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: such as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

b

: the spreading of something (such as a belief) abroad or into new regions

c

: enlargement or extension (as of a crack) in a solid body

Examples of propagation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Take rosemary cuttings for propagation during the growing season when the plant is producing new softwood growth. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026

Relative to its weight, the layered structure increases resistance to crack propagation and distributes mechanical forces. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Belief propagation is then used to extract and refine information from these approximations. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

The team has also identified a simple dip treatment that can be used during plant propagation to discourage thrips. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for propagation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or process of propagating: as

a

: multiplication (as of a kind of living thing) in number of individuals

b

: the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions

Medical Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

propagation of a pure culture of bacteria

b

: the spreading or transmission of something

propagation of a nerve impulse