propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce propagation (audio)
: the act or action of propagating: such as
a
: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers
b
: the spreading of something (such as a belief) abroad or into new regions
c
: enlargement or extension (as of a crack) in a solid body

Examples of propagation 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.
Place the propagation jars around your home for small pops of natural color or keep the jars together to create a propagation station. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 Many Maldivian resorts are taking the lead with conservation efforts, including Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, with its coral propagation and turtle rescue and rehabilitation projects, and the PADI Eco Center Six Senses Laamu. Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025 These include inter-agent misalignment, error propagation, unpredictability of emergent behavior, and explainability deficits. Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The new method has clear advantages, including real-time visualization of heat propagation, unprecedented temperature precision, and reliability in extreme conditions where traditional thermography fails. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propagation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propagation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propagation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propagation. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

propagation

noun
prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce propagation (audio)
: the act or process of propagating: as
a
: multiplication (as of a kind of living thing) in number of individuals
b
: the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions

Medical Definition

propagation

noun
prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce propagation (audio)
: the act or action of propagating: as
a
: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers
propagation of a pure culture of bacteria
b
: the spreading or transmission of something
propagation of a nerve impulse
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