deletion

noun

de·​le·​tion di-ˈlē-shən How to pronounce deletion (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of deletionnext
1
: the act of deleting
2
a
: something deleted
b(1)
: the absence of a section of genetic material from a gene or chromosome
(2)
: the mutational process that results in a deletion

Synonyms of deletion

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Examples of deletion in a Sentence

one of the deletions from the final cut of the movie turned out to be my one line of dialogue
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.
Parents may contact support to update information, withdraw a child, request deletion of personal data, or have a profile reviewed or removed. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The death of Joyce is also the deletion of whatever was left of Buffy’s innocence. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 The agreement specifically provides that the deletion of a Component is a Material Change, and Material Changes require City approval. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Voters should be very wary of the myriad changes and deletions resulting from these charter proposals. — Joseph Landers, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deletion

Word History

Etymology

Latin deletion-, deletio destruction, from delēre

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deletion was in 1590

Rhymes for deletion

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Browse Nearby Words

delethalize
deletion
deleveling
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

deletion

noun
de·​le·​tion di-ˈlē-shən How to pronounce deletion (audio)
1
: the absence of a section of genetic material from a gene or chromosome
2
: the mutational process that results in a deletion

More from Merriam-Webster on deletion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deletion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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