deforestation

noun

de·​for·​es·​ta·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce deforestation (audio)
-ˌfär-
: the action or process of clearing of forests
also : the state of having been cleared of forests

Examples of deforestation in a Sentence

the deforestation of the island
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 remainder of planet-warming gases are released by smaller fossil fuel companies, livestock agriculture, deforestation, landfills and other activities, according to the study. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Persistent drought, large wildfires and deforestation to make way for cattle have degraded swaths of forest in recent decades. — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Scientists believe diseases that jump from animals or insects to humans are spreading faster because of deforestation, urbanization and global warming. — Zane Irwin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Other potential impacts include deforestation, air pollution, noise and polluted water seeping into rivers and lakes, which can poison fish populations and sully drinking water supplies. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deforestation

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deforestation was in 1874

Rhymes for deforestation

See All Rhymes for deforestation

Browse Nearby Words

De Forest
deforestation
deforested
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

deforestation

noun
de·​for·​es·​ta·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce deforestation (audio)
-ˌfär-
: the action or process of clearing an area of forests
also : the state of having been cleared of forests
deforest
(ˈ)dē-ˈfȯr-əst How to pronounce deforestation (audio)
-ˈfär-
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on deforestation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deforestation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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