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)

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.
This indicates that an eruption is likely within the next few weeks or months. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 Alaska's Mount Spurr, an active volcano near the most populated region in the state, is getting even closer to an eruption, according to volcanologists. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025 The 1985 eruption was comparatively minor, lasting only a few hours. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Over a thousand civilians were killed in Syria in the deadliest eruption of violence since the fall of the Assad regime in December. Richie Duchon, NBC News, 10 Mar. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Eruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eruption. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: an act, process, or instance of erupting
2
: a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

Medical Definition

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

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