ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: branch, offshoot

b

: a branched structure

2

a

: the act or process of branching

b

: arrangement of branches (as on a plant)

3

: consequence, outgrowth

the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This would represent a significant change in course, one with ramifications in the clubhouse and in how the Phillies handle their pitchers. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026

That leaves demolition as the most viable solution, but many Houstonians have fond memories of the Astrodome, and demolition would likely carry political ramifications, Beth Wiedower Jackson, executive director of the Astrodome Conservancy previously told the Houston Chronicle. —John Lomax V, Houston Chronicle, 7 Jan. 2026

By ensuring the undisrupted passage of that grain, the agreement had profound ramifications for global food security. —Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026

But there is one ramification nobody has yet pointed out. —Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for ramification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

2

: outgrowth sense 1

the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches

2

: a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel

the ramification of an artery

also : the resulting branched structure

make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite