fragmentation

noun

frag·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfrag-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce fragmentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
: the act or process of fragmenting or making fragmentary
2
: the state of being fragmented or fragmentary
fragmentate
ˈfrag-mən-ˌtāt How to pronounce fragmentation (audio)
verb

Examples of fragmentation in a Sentence

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.
Businesses must transition from human-centric data strategies to making information directly usable by AI, addressing fragmentation and inconsistency. — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Unlike traditional interceptors that rely primarily on blast fragmentation, the PAC-3 family uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying incoming threats through direct body-to-body impact. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 The team believes that the tissue fragmentation could facilitate contact between sunfish and orca microbiomes. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 July 2026 Al Khafaji explained this as a deliberate workaround to the building-code fragmentation that killed many of its predecessors. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragmentation

Word History

Etymology

fragment entry 2 + -ation, probably after French fragmentation

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragmentation was in 1881

Phrases Containing fragmentation

Rhymes for fragmentation

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Browse Nearby Words

fragmentate
fragmentation
fragmentation bomb
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Cite this Entry

“Fragmentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragmentation. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fragmentation

Nglish: Translation of fragmentation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fragmentation

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