separation

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of separating : the state of being separated

2

a

: a point, line, or means of division

b

: an intervening space : gap

the separation between wheel spokes

3

a

: cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement or judicial decree

b

: termination of a contractual relationship (such as employment or military service)

Synonyms of separation

• dissolution
• split
• breakup
• partition
• division

Examples of separation in a Sentence

After a separation of 30 years, she visited her family in Cuba.

Moving away meant separation from his family.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interestingly, a 2023 study from the Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens demonstrates that dolphins can remember others’ signature whistles even after long periods of separation. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

The Pit Wall Separation In motorsports, there’s clear separation between the pit crew (tactical execution) and the pit wall (strategic decision-making). —Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2026

Burial allows for a gentle, natural separation—bringing peace to the soul and comfort to the living. —Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026

Investigators said controllers in the Reagan tower had been overly reliant on asking pilots to spot other aircraft and maintain visual separation. —Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing separation

• grade separation
• separation anxiety
• separation of church and state

Rhymes for separation

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

Kids Definition

separation

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌsep-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of separating : the state of being separated

2

a

: a point or line of division

b

: a space that comes between things : gap

the separation between wheel spokes

3

a

: a formal separating of spouses by agreement but without divorce

b

: the ending of a relationship that is bound by a contract (as employment or military service)

Medical Definition

separation

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌsep-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the process of isolating or extracting from or of becoming isolated from a mixture

also : the resulting state

2

: dislocation see shoulder separation

Legal Definition

separation

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement with intent that it be permanent

also : legal separation compare divorce

Note: In some cases in which the estrangement is extreme, a separation is considered to have occurred even when the couple retain the same residence if they have stopped communicating and engaging in sexual relations and intend to be separated.

2

: termination of a contractual relationship (as employment or military service)