eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce eruption (audio)
Synonyms of eruptionnext
1
a
: an act, process, or instance of erupting
b
: the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane
2
: a product of erupting (such as a skin rash)

Synonyms of eruption

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Examples of eruption in a Sentence

a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history
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.
Seeing the Braves compete in this series with the Dodgers, from the walk-off win to the ace performances to the timely snags to Truist Park’s eruptions, hearkened back memories of October 2021. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 In June, astronomers noted a surface eruption increased the comet’s luminosity by almost 10 magnitudes—making it around 8,000 times brighter than usual. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 Mann said that the study doesn't have a complete record of corals over the past 1,000 years, and also that his research has shown that volcanic eruptions have played more of a role than climate change in past El Niño events. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The result was an eruption of buoyant experimentation, blending the organic and electronic with ecstatic melodies and avant-garde textures. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eruption

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of eruption was in 1555

Phrases Containing eruption

Rhymes for eruption

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Browse Nearby Words

erupt in laughter
eruption
eruptive
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

eruption

noun
erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce eruption (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of erupting
2
: a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

Medical Definition

eruption

noun
erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce eruption (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of erupting
the eruption of the tooth from the gum
specifically : the breaking out of an exanthem or enanthem on the skin or mucous membrane (as in measles)
2
: something produced by an act or process of erupting: as
a
: the condition of the skin or mucous membrane caused by erupting
b
: one of the lesions (as a pustule) constituting this condition

More from Merriam-Webster on eruption

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eruption

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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