outbreak
noun
out·break
ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 
1
a
: a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency
the outbreak of war
b
: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease
an outbreak of measles
c
: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area
an outbreak of locusts
2
Examples of outbreak in a Sentence
there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room
the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency
Recent Examples on the Web
This is likely to lead to more outbreaks and preventable severe illness and death.
—
Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
After tamping down that outbreak by February 2017, the researchers working at Ngogo implemented a new series of protocols.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 6 June 2025
One of the most noticeable impacts is the vibrant sunsets and sunrises visible during a Saharan dust outbreak.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 June 2025
But, to echo that specific piece of dialogue, Romero is profoundly proud of the fact that Queens of the Dead isn't a George A. Romero movie, and not just because of the subject matter: a kooky assemblage of LGBTQ+ party-goers must hunker down at a warehouse drag show when a zombie outbreak occurs.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
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.
Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
After tamping down that outbreak by February 2017, the researchers working at Ngogo implemented a new series of protocols.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 6 June 2025
One of the most noticeable impacts is the vibrant sunsets and sunrises visible during a Saharan dust outbreak.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 June 2025
But, to echo that specific piece of dialogue, Romero is profoundly proud of the fact that Queens of the Dead isn't a George A. Romero movie, and not just because of the subject matter: a kooky assemblage of LGBTQ+ party-goers must hunker down at a warehouse drag show when a zombie outbreak occurs.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Cite this Entry
“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outbreak. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outbreak
noun
out·break
ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk
1
: a sudden increase in activity, use, or acceptance
the outbreak of war
2
: something (as an epidemic or revolution) that breaks out
an outbreak of measles
Medical Definition
outbreak
noun
out·break
ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk
1
: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease
an outbreak of measles
2
: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area
an outbreak of locusts
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share