wipeout

1 of 2

noun

wipe·​out ˈwīp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce wipeout (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of wiping out : complete or utter destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
3
: a total or decisive defeat : drubbing

wipe out

2 of 2

verb

wiped out; wiping out; wipes out

transitive verb

: to destroy completely : annihilate

intransitive verb

: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control

Examples of wipeout in a Sentence

Noun The surfer had a nasty wipeout. Verb he didn't get his gambling under control until he had already wiped out his entire life savings
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.
Noun
Ted Cruz has proposed that Texas extend the state's Republican advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives to a full Democratic wipeout if Gavin Newsom goes ahead with a proposal to redraft congressional maps in his state in response to a similar plan by Republicans in Texas. Robert Birsel shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 Four years later, in 2023, with Democrats 12 months from a national wipeout, Beshear was reelected by five points. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
Verb
The Show-Me state has two Democrats in Congress and four Republicans, and a map Trump posted on social media would wipe out one Democratic seat. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2025 The Buckeyes benefited from a pair of penalties, including a face mask call on Colin Simmons that wiped out an incomplete pass on third-and-4. Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wipeout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wipeout was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wipeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wipeout. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

wipeout

1 of 2 noun
wipe·​out ˈwīp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce wipeout (audio)
1
: complete destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
wipeouts on the downhill ski course are common
3
: total or final defeat
couldn't bear to watch the team's wipeout

wipe out

2 of 2 verb
1
: to destroy completely
crops wiped out by flooding
2
: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control
the surfer wiped out
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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