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

Plant labels typically indicate if propagation is prohibited, so always check when purchasing new plants. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 July 2026

Antonio Sanchez, a longtime native plant nursery manager, will lead a free class on native plant propagation, which will be held at Arlington Garden in Pasadena and hosted by Artemisia Nursery of El Sereno. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

The distinction matters because once a cutting is legally classified as cannabis, commercial retailers can no longer rely on the exemption that allows propagation material to be sold. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Propagating Summer Crush Hydrangea Summer Crush hydrangea is patent-protected and prohibited from propagation in any form. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 June 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