contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
Synonyms of contaminationnext
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: contaminant

Synonyms of contamination

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Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
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.
Although a subsurface dam stores less water than an aboveground dam, its construction is less disruptive to the surrounding environment, and the water is more protected from contamination and evaporation. — Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026 Many of the families raised a litany of concerns at a later virtual meeting, including about the crew’s mental health, safety, a lack of supplies and food, and water contamination, according to MS Now, which reviewed recordings of the meeting. — Connor Greene, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 This summer has seen a confluence of challenges, including excessive heat that allows food contamination to grow and a pathogen that’s particularly tough to pin down. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 On July 25, Patterson Park Pool was closed for the day after staff found fecal contamination in the water and multiple drain grates had been ripped off and thrown into the pool. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing contamination

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contaminated
contamination
contaminative
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Cite this Entry

“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

contamination

noun
con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contamination

Nglish: Translation of contamination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contamination

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