severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈse-və-rən(t)s 

ˈsev-rən(t)s

: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

Examples of severance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Contracts may begin to include stronger guarantees of equity or severance in the event of an acquisition, as workers grow wary of being left behind in a deal. —Michelle Castillo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Theetge's contract with the city, obtained by The Enquirer, doesn't mention severance. —David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025

After the factory closed, Cano joined litigation involving Sae-A Trading, another Korean company which used to purchase KOA Modas’s apparel on Target’s behalf and, after a lengthy legal battle, pledged to fulfill the vast majority of severance payments. —Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025

Newmont said the employees will be offered severance. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing severance

• severance package
• severance pay
• severance tax

Rhymes for severance

• reverence
• irreverence

Kids Definition

severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈsev-(ə-)rən(t)s 

: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed