dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
Synonyms of dispersalnext
: the act or result of dispersing
especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Synonyms of dispersal

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Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
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 research also demonstrates the JWST is more than capable of studying the dispersal of gas and dust around individual infant stars. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 In addition to simulating the dispersal of defense production, Taiwan is throttling the island’s mobile network to show civilians what happens when internet services are disabled. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Chaniago said weather-modification, or cloud-seeding, operations are considered one of the most effective ways to help firefighters combat wildfires by inducing rainfall through the dispersal of salt particles into suitable clouds. — Trisnadi, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 This raises questions about how populations became separated or whether undiscovered connections or dispersal routes exist. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispersal

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersal was in 1821

Rhymes for dispersal

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Browse Nearby Words

dispermous
dispersal
dispersal area
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

More from Merriam-Webster on dispersal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dispersal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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