dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Synonyms

• disbandment
• dispersion
• dissipation
• scattering

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the departures of Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley, Judgment Day has lacked its previous momentum, prompting hope for either a revitalization of the group or a dispersal of its members to pursue individual storylines. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025

This is less sound economic policymaking than the arbitrary dispersal of favors. —David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025

They’re also used in drug dispersal within the body and to help heal tissues and bones. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025

This is less sound economic policymaking than the arbitrary dispersal of favors. —David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dispersal

• demersal
• rehearsal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl 

: the act or result of dispersing

specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another