wipe·out
ˈwīp-ˌau̇t 
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
wiped out; wiping out; wipes out
: to destroy completely : annihilate
: 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
Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 May 2026
Anthony Edwards had a different interpretation of the vibes in the aftermath of a 133-95 wipeout at the hands of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs that evened the series.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Ashley Wu, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Some outlets, including Reuters and Arise News, said the attack in northeastern Nigeria bore the hallmark of Boko Haram, the terrorist group that has killed thousands of Nigerians in recent years in a bid to create an Islamic state and wipe out Western education from schools.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wipeout
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Noun
The potential electoral wipeout may spur a leadership challenge, with the political uncertainty likely further souring investors.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 May 2026
Anthony Edwards had a different interpretation of the vibes in the aftermath of a 133-95 wipeout at the hands of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs that evened the series.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
Texas’ new maps shifted seats in favor of Republicans and in the process wiped out the only two districts that would have been considered competitive in 2024.
—Ashley Wu, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Some outlets, including Reuters and Arise News, said the attack in northeastern Nigeria bore the hallmark of Boko Haram, the terrorist group that has killed thousands of Nigerians in recent years in a bid to create an Islamic state and wipe out Western education from schools.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wipeout
Cite this Entry
“Wipeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wipeout. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wipeout
1 of 2 noun
wipe·out
ˈwīp-ˌau̇t
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 verb1
: to destroy completely
crops wiped out by flooding
2
: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control
the surfer wiped out
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