demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌde-mə-ˈli-shən How to pronounce demolition (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
Synonyms of demolitionnext
1
: the act of demolishing: such as
a
: destruction in war by means of explosives
b
: controlled destruction of a building or other structure
The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.
2
demolitions plural : explosives for destruction in war
demolitionist
ˌde-mə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce demolition (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
noun

Synonyms of demolition

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Examples of demolition in a Sentence

The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week. The demolitions should be complete by the end of the year.
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.
Barlow credits that at least partially to the demolition of the Timothy Cheney House, a landmark mansion on East Center Street since the early 1700s. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 Miami Beach today may be filled with newcomers, cranes and construction, deals and demolitions. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 This would also prohibit demolition and heavily regulate alterations to the structure, according to city staff. — Noah Daly august 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026 All lanes on the affected section of Central Avenue are closed during the demolition work. — Jane Imbody, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demolition

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dēmōlītiōn-, dēmōlītiō, from dēmōlīrī "to throw down, pull down, demolish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demolition was circa 1550

Phrases Containing demolition

Rhymes for demolition

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Browse Nearby Words

demolish
demolition
demolition bomb
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

demolition

noun
de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌdem-ə-ˈlish-ən How to pronounce demolition (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
: the act of demolishing
especially : destruction by means of explosives
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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