quantum leap

noun

plural quantum leaps
: an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance

Note: Quantum leap is rarely used in scientific contexts, but it originated as a synonym of quantum jump, which describes an abrupt transition (as of an electron, an atom, or a molecule) from one discrete energy state to another.

Examples of quantum leap in a Sentence

Prices have taken a quantum leap upward. The new drug is a quantum leap in the fight against cancer.
Recent Examples on the Web Embracing the freedom to retreat facilitates a quantum leap while the sun meets Uranus. USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 But what if, like the autonomous Waymo, healthcare could evolve and embrace a quantum leap forward? Smriti Kirubanandan, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 Have More Natural, Context-Aware Conversations With Siri The revamped Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, is a quantum leap in virtual assistant technology. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 With its patented super hinge technology, Mr. Lid is a quantum leap in storage solutions. Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 9 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for quantum leap 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum leap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum leap was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near quantum leap

Cite this Entry

“Quantum leap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20leap. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on quantum leap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!