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.
In July, employers shed 23,000 jobs and the labor force participation rate shrank to the lowest since 1976, outside of the pandemic, according to government data. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Such meaningful participation would send a clear message that the UN and its members reject the Taliban’s claim to be the sole political voice of Afghanistan as long as the group excludes half the population from public life. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 Official statements have provided few details on what India's participation in the Moon Base program would entail in practice. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Most importantly, schools should survey students and measure changes in well-being, belonging, discipline, academic engagement and extracurricular participation. — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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

Rhymes for participation

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Browse Nearby Words

participating stock
participation
participational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Participation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participation. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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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
b
: profit sharing
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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