deluge

1 of 2

noun

del·​uge ˈdel-ˌyüj How to pronounce deluge (audio)
-ˌyüzh;
nonstandard
də-ˈlüj How to pronounce deluge (audio)
ˈdā-ˌlüj
1
a
: an overflowing of the land by water
b
: a drenching rain
a deluge causing mudslides in the area
2
: an overwhelming amount or number
received a deluge of angry phone calls

deluge

2 of 2

verb

deluged; deluging

transitive verb

1
: to overflow with water : inundate
2
: overwhelm, swamp
The store was deluged with complaints.

Examples of deluge in a Sentence

Noun The deluge caused severe mudslides. a deluge of thanks and appreciation for the returning troops Verb Heavy rains deluged the region. deluged with requests for help
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
Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025 Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters at the White House on Friday that the United States has been importing a deluge of eggs from South Korea and Turkey, with other countries expected to add to the total. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
That perception began to turn last fall, when Hurricane Helene deluged Asheville, knocking out water and electricity for months. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 But after the federal courts were deluged with RICO cases, the Supreme Court has tried to limit its application. Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for deluge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, "flood, Noah's flood, storm," borrowed from Anglo-French deluvie, deluge (also continental Old French), in part loan, in part descent from Latin dīluvium "flood, inundation," from dīluere "to wash away, make thinner by mixing with water" + -ium, deverbal noun suffix — more at dilute entry 1

Verb

derivative of deluge entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deluge was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deluge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deluge. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

deluge

1 of 2 noun
del·​uge ˈdel-yüj How to pronounce deluge (audio)
1
a
: an overflowing of the land by water : flood
b
: a drenching rain
2
: an overwhelming amount or number
a deluge of Christmas mail

deluge

2 of 2 verb
deluged; deluging
1
: to overflow with water : inundate, flood
2
: to overwhelm as if with a deluge
deluged with inquiries

More from Merriam-Webster on deluge

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