elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌli-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
often attributive
: the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: such as
a
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body
b
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
compare addition sense 4

Examples of elimination in a Sentence

the elimination of waste products from the body
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.
If passed by the legislature and approved by a majority of voters, the elimination of non-school property taxes would come into force as of January 1, 2027. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 In early November, the Pan American Health Organization, a regional WHO office, will convene an annual meeting of its Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission to formally determine the status of measles elimination across the region. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 The Wolves needed a win to avoid elimination Chris Finch sent the unheralded Jordan McLaughlin to the scorer’s table to sub in for D’Angelo Russell. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025 However, as a result of no elimination on the previous week's Dedication Night episode, one couple went home this week. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elimination

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elimination was in 1627

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elimination. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
: the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as
a
: the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body
b
: the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

Medical Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
1
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products or foreign substances from the body
2
eliminations plural : bodily discharges including urine, feces, and vomit
3
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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