elision

noun

eli·​sion i-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce elision (audio)
1
a
: the use of a speech form that lacks a final or initial sound which a variant speech form has (such as 's instead of is in there's)
b
: the omission of an unstressed vowel or syllable in a verse to achieve a uniform metrical pattern
2
: the act or an instance of omitting something : omission

Examples of elision in a Sentence

unfortunately, when the book was condensed, some of the elisions rendered major plot developments incomprehensible
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.
Gale’s interdisciplinary practice choreographs the elision of sculpture, sound, film, light, and photography, resulting in uneasy and often uncanny experiences. Ellen Y. Tani, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024 But a lot of those gaps were actually intentional elisions, the result of Leone's broader stylistic conviction against didactic storytelling. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Such elisions may be understandable, but the hearings are over. Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 These two work by means of elision and ellipsis, unfolding in sections separated by roughly 20 years. Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elision 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin elision-, elisio, from Latin elidere

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of elision was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near elision

Cite this Entry

“Elision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elision. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on elision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!