contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
Synonyms of contaminationnext
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: contaminant

Synonyms of contamination

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Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
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.
The recall is the latest in a series of recent incidents involving injectable medical solutions with potential particulate contamination. — Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Representatives of detainees at Adelanto have filed a civil class-action lawsuit alleging widespread abuse — including systemic medical neglect, inadequate food and water and mold contamination. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Multiple injectable drugs from the same company have been recalled over potential fiberglass and metal contamination. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Other bottled water companies often process water using plastic, which would increase the risk of contamination. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contamination was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing contamination

Rhymes for contamination

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contaminated
contamination
contaminative
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Cite this Entry

“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

contamination

noun
con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contamination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contamination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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