propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: such as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

b

: the spreading of something (such as a belief) abroad or into new regions

c

: enlargement or extension (as of a crack) in a solid body

Examples of propagation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The propagation process of plants takes several years to create an abundance of inventory. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 23 Mar. 2024

The rotating selection of plants is a big plus, as is the ability to purchase anything your plant might need including fertilizer, pots, grow lights, propagation sets, and more. —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2024

Propagation 101 Workshop at the Sill Learn different propagation methods and how to successfully (and inexpensively) grow your plant collection. —Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024

There are many types of produce on store shelves that can be turned into thriving garden plants through seed saving and propagation, which can help to stretch a grocery bill and make for a fun experiment. —Alex Groves, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024

Despite this, hip-hop owes much of its early development and propagation to an underground economy that the record industry didn’t understand or capitalize on. —John Morrison, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2024

In 1822, Mason leased his mansion, land, servants and farmhands to landscape architect and horticulturist Richard Southern, who cultivated the soil for farming, including the propagation of tomatoes. —Sue Eisenfeld, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024

Consider this another opportunity to add to your tending tools, like these bonsai shears and propagation vessels that both keep tasks tidy. 9. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024

Using those for propagation is gentler than digging out the entire clump and dividing it. —Nadia Hassani, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or process of propagating: as

a

: multiplication (as of a kind of living thing) in number of individuals

b

: the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions

Medical Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

propagation of a pure culture of bacteria

b

: the spreading or transmission of something

propagation of a nerve impulse