elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌli-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
often attributive
: the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: such as
a
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body
b
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
compare addition sense 4

Examples of elimination in a Sentence

the elimination of waste products from the body
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.
Consider, for instance, the elimination of Jennifer Hudson on season 3 of American Idol or when MJ David was double-crossed by JT Tamburello and Trishelle Cannatella on season 2 of the Traitors. Taylor Crumpton, Time, 13 July 2025 There have been plenty of scandals, including the abrupt elimination of two contestants following the resurfacing of past racist remarks. Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025 The Pell Grant program faces potential elimination, universities are pressured to dismantle essential support for underserved students, and all the while, funding for critical academic programs is slashed. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 11 July 2025 Stronger corporate governance—including the elimination of cross-ownership—is believed to be a continued point of emphasis in the negotiations, spurring teams like Querétaro to sell now rather than wait for a mandate and risk losing leverage as the clock ticks down. Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for elimination

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elimination was in 1627

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elimination. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
: the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as
a
: the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body
b
: the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

Medical Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
1
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products or foreign substances from the body
2
eliminations plural : bodily discharges including urine, feces, and vomit
3
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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