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

The staff would have to begin to go even sooner than the shareholders; Fried Frank, in its presentation, estimated between $20 and $24 million in severance and $75 million in union termination. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026

For the length of the severance period, the departing executives will be entitled to healthcare at employee rates. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Many leaders of Florida colleges and public agencies have contracts requiring they be paid the statutory maximum of 20 weeks of severance if they are fired for convenience. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Aronson’s lawyers argue that Paramount’s lawyers are misreading an IRS provision that affects the timing of severance payouts. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

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