prevalence
noun
prev·a·lence
ˈpre-və-lən(t)s 
ˈprev-lən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time
Examples of prevalence in a Sentence
the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the prevalence of narcotics crimes, Jacobson alleges that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos does not want to work with other agencies, including Border Patrol and ICE.
—
Michael Ruiz , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The prevalence of primetime news viewership, or whether streaming is preferred.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Tedros noted that Guinea-Bissau has a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection, meaning there is a significant risk that newborns who go unvaccinated in the trial could contract the disease.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026
Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed a lower prevalence of cognitive decline, the researchers said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevalence
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Michael Ruiz , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The prevalence of primetime news viewership, or whether streaming is preferred.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Tedros noted that Guinea-Bissau has a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection, meaning there is a significant risk that newborns who go unvaccinated in the trial could contract the disease.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026
Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed a lower prevalence of cognitive decline, the researchers said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevalence
Cite this Entry
“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prevalence
noun
prev·a·lence
ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s
1
: the state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially
: the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time
Medical Definition
prevalence
noun
prev·a·lence
ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b
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