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

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.
Los Angeles police issued a dispersal order Wednesday after a massive student protest over federal immigration enforcement efforts spiraled into violence in downtown LA. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026 More demonstrators were also reported near Temple and Alameda streets by the federal building, where a dispersal order was issued. Anissa Rivera, Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026 The order also notes that protesters ignoring dispersal orders or trespassing on federal property is not appropriate justification for agents to deploy riot control weapons. Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 The Los Angeles Police Department issued a dispersal order for the area of Alameda Street between Union Station and 1st Street. Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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