contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
Examples of contamination in a Sentence
swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
Recent Examples on the Web
Two brands of 4-pound bags of biscuits — Country Vet Biscuits Original Meaty Flavor and Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits — were recalled for potential salmonella contamination.
—
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
Those inside the shelter-in-place zone were advised to turn off their home heating systems to avoid possible contamination, Groves said.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Dec. 2025
The findings suggested widespread environmental contamination.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
Increasing sewage contamination affecting air, soil and water, along with flooding, created growing health and safety concerns.
—Don Butz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contamination
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Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
Those inside the shelter-in-place zone were advised to turn off their home heating systems to avoid possible contamination, Groves said.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Dec. 2025
The findings suggested widespread environmental contamination.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
Increasing sewage contamination affecting air, soil and water, along with flooding, created growing health and safety concerns.
—Don Butz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contamination
Cite this Entry
“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates
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