wipeout

1 of 2

noun

wipe·​out ˈwīp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce wipeout (audio)
Synonyms of wipeoutnext
1
: the act or an instance of wiping out : complete or utter destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
3
: a total or decisive defeat : drubbing

wipe out

2 of 2

verb

wiped out; wiping out; wipes out

transitive verb

: to destroy completely : annihilate

intransitive verb

: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control

Synonyms of wipeout

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of wipeout in a Sentence

Noun The surfer had a nasty wipeout. Verb he didn't get his gambling under control until he had already wiped out his entire life savings
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
Miller is a controllable lefty who throws in the upper 90s and has a true wipeout slider. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 The Kospi Index has tumbled 25% since its June peak, resulting in a $1 trillion wipeout that threatens to weaken its global clout. — Winnie Hsu, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Verb
The two once presented a live demo minutes after a computer cloud crash wiped out their materials, winning anyway after Andreou pitched the product entirely from memory. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026 Widespread flooding across Kentucky has left at least four dead Saturday, prompting dozens of rescues after heavy rains wiped out bridges, inundated roads and flooded homes, with more significant rainfall on the way. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wipeout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wipeout was in 1535

Rhymes for wipeout

See All Rhymes for wipeout

Browse Nearby Words

wipe one's feet
wipeout
wipe out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wipeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wipeout. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wipeout

1 of 2 noun
wipe·​out ˈwīp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce wipeout (audio)
1
: complete destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
wipeouts on the downhill ski course are common
3
: total or final defeat
couldn't bear to watch the team's wipeout

wipe out

2 of 2 verb
1
: to destroy completely
crops wiped out by flooding
2
: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control
the surfer wiped out
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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