dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Synonyms of dispersal

• dispersion
• scattering

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means

Recent Examples on the Web

The department also advises that if journalists are detained during the enforcement of a dispersal order, police agencies should have policies in place to avoid criminal charges being filed. —Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2025

Because the Planchón-Peteroa volcanic complex is remote, rugged and spans two countries, satellite imagery plays a vital role in monitoring volcanic activity, ash dispersal and potential impacts on air pollution, local communities and the environment. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025

Declining bat populations could have real consequences for us, given the important role bats play in insect control, seed dispersal, and pollination. —NPR, 8 Nov. 2025

Shaggy, the reggae and dancehall artist, has been personally coordinating food, water, and medicine dispersal to those in need using a network of private planes. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dispersal

• demersal
• rehearsal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another