participation

noun

par·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)pär-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce participation (audio)
pər-
Synonyms of participationnext
: the act of participating

Examples of participation 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.
Both Mayor Mamdani and City Council members have said that high costs and red tape have deterred restaurant participation in outdoor dining, contributing to a drop from more than 13,000 establishments approved during the pandemic to what may be as few as 2,500 this spring. Andrew Rigie, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026 However, Blackman said questions about participation in activist trainings could potentially arise during jury selection, particularly if there are concerns about bias, although grand jury selection typically involves far less vetting than trial juries. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026 Employment and participation in the labor force are at all-time highs. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026 So far, Mamdani has cultivated a more hands-on ideal of participation, both for himself and for his supporters. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for participation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of participation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Participation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participation. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

participation

noun
par·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion
1
: the action or state of taking part in something: as
a
: association with others in a relationship (as a partnership) or an enterprise usually on a formal basis with specified rights and obligations
a loan made directly or in participation with a bank
2
a
: something in which shares are taken by more than one party
b
: something that results in a share (as of a distribution)
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