deletion

noun

de·​le·​tion di-ˈlē-shən 

dē-

1

: the act of deleting

2

a

: something deleted

b(1)

: the absence of a section of genetic material from a gene or chromosome

(2)

: the mutational process that results in a deletion

Synonyms of deletion

• omission

Examples of deletion in a Sentence

one of the deletions from the final cut of the movie turned out to be my one line of dialogue

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, negotiating a settlement for less than the full amount owed is often more successful than requesting a deletion. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

The Times analyzed seven drafts of the report obtained through a records request and disclosed the significant deletions and revisions. —Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

At the same time, Pure Storage SafeMode creates immutable snapshots that prevent deletion or modification, protecting against ransomware and insider threats. —Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

In the past, that required them to contact individual companies or data brokers to request one-by-one deletions. —Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin deletion-, deletio destruction, from delēre

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deletion

• accretion
• completion
• concretion
• depletion
• excretion
• repletion
• secretion
• carburetion
• grecian
• hypersecretion

Medical Definition

deletion

noun

de·​le·​tion di-ˈlē-shən 

1

: the absence of a section of genetic material from a gene or chromosome

2

: the mutational process that results in a deletion