landslide

1 of 2

noun

land·​slide ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd How to pronounce landslide (audio)
Synonyms of landslidenext
1
: the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or artificial fill on a slope
also : the mass that moves down
2
a
: a great majority of votes for one side
b
: an overwhelming victory

landslide

2 of 2

verb

landslid ˈlan(d)-ˌslid How to pronounce landslide (audio) ; landsliding ˈlan(d)-ˌslī-diŋ How to pronounce landslide (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to produce a landslide
2
: to win an election by a heavy majority

Examples of landslide in a Sentence

Noun The earthquake triggered a landslide. They were buried under the landslide. The presidential election turned out to be one of the biggest landslides in history. She won the election by a landslide.
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.
Noun
The quake, centered near San Jose Del Palmar, caused widespread devastation, trapping people, triggering landslides, and severely damaging homes and infrastructure. — Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 That could prolong heavy rain and raise the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas and along smaller rivers. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Bahamas is the third Caribbean country to head to the polls so far this year, after voters in Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda handed the incumbent parties landslide victories. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 That isn’t exactly landslide territory. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for landslide

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of landslide was in 1822

Rhymes for landslide

See All Rhymes for landslide

Browse Nearby Words

landsleit
landslide
landslip
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Landslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/landslide. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

landslide

noun
land·​slide
ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd
1
: the slipping down of a mass of rocks or earth on a steep slope
also : the mass of material that slides
2
: an overwhelming victory especially in an election
won by a landslide
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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