dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
Synonyms of dispersalnext
: the act or result of dispersing
especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
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.
On the same day, McCrory resigned his seat on the board of the Community Investment Fund, a legislative panel with final approval over the annual dispersal of up to $175 million in competitive grants available to 55 eligible communities. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026 The sheriff’s office said deputies issued dispersal orders at an unlawful assembly. Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026 The arrests happened after deputies issued dispersal orders for an unlawful assembly outside the Whipple building. Riley Moser, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026 Hainan gibbons are arboreal frugivores – tree-dwelling animals that consume mostly fruit – and are essential for forest ecosystems on the island because of their role in seed dispersal and canopy balance, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispersal

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersal was in 1821

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

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