supercontinent

noun

su·​per·​con·​ti·​nent ˈsü-pər-ˌkän-tə-nənt How to pronounce supercontinent (audio)
-ˌkänt-nənt
: a hypothetical former large continent from which other continents are held to have broken off and drifted away

Examples of supercontinent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Creation of the Antarctica Mountains Many geologists think these features were created when multiple tectonic plates that include what is now known as Africa, South America, Australia, India, and Antarctica collided to create a supercontinent called Gondwana. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2025 Tom Hanks narrates this examination of the astonishing variety of life on a supercontinent stretching from northern Canada to the bottom of South America. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025 Scientists analyzing the image said the area's distinctive reddish hue signals vast oxidation of sedimentary layers caused by extreme climate swings during the Triassic Period, when North America was still part of the supercontinent Pangaea. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 At this time, tectonic movements had arranged most of Earth's landmasses into two vast supercontinents: Laurasia in the north and Gondwana in the south. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supercontinent

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supercontinent was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Supercontinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supercontinent. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

supercontinent

noun
su·​per·​con·​ti·​nent ˈsü-pər-ˌkänt-ᵊn-ənt How to pronounce supercontinent (audio)
-ˌkänt-nənt
: a former large continent which is assumed to have existed and from which other continents broke off and drifted away

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