eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

a

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

b

: the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane

2

: a product of erupting (such as a skin rash)

Synonyms of eruption

• explosion
• outburst
• burst

Examples of eruption in a Sentence

a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won

the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history

Recent Examples on the Web

Solar flares are giant eruptions of electromagnetic radiation, including X-rays and ultraviolet light, which launch into space off the sun's surface, according to NASA. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 4 June 2026

The culprit behind all three eruptions from the sun is Earth-facing sunspot region 4455. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 June 2026

Salina is known for colorful buildings and lush vineyards, Stromboli for its active volcano and lava eruptions, and Panarea for its upscale restaurants and yachting crowd. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Iran’s mentors were naturally taken aback by the volcanic eruption of popular anti-Americanism in the country in 1978. —Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing eruption

• creeping eruption
• post-eruption

Rhymes for eruption

• corruption
• disruption
• irruption
• incorruption
• interruption

Kids Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

2

: a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

Medical Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

the eruption of the tooth from the gum

specifically : the breaking out of an exanthem or enanthem on the skin or mucous membrane (as in measles)

2

: something produced by an act or process of erupting: as

a

: the condition of the skin or mucous membrane caused by erupting

b

: one of the lesions (as a pustule) constituting this condition