inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as
b
: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang
c
: empty pretentiousness : pomposity
2
: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

Examples of inflation in a Sentence

the inflation of a balloon The government has been unable to control inflation. The rate of inflation is high.
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.
The terminal rate is the point at which interest rates do not act as headwinds for economic growth, and are consistent with allowing the central bank to achieve its inflation target. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 16 May 2025 The reasons for this would sound depressingly familiar in the West – a slowdown in U.S. studio tentpoles, the shift to streaming and (in China’s case) vertical short drama, and inflation hitting consumers’ pockets. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 14 May 2025 The April inflation reading, combined with the 90-day pause on the highest tariffs on Chinese imports that President Donald Trump's administration announced Monday, paint a potentially brighter inflation outlook that could allow officials to resume rate cuts, Goolsbee said. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025 Jefferson noted that while housing inflation has come down, other components, particularly goods prices, have recently edged up, and short-term inflation expectations are on the rise. Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

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!