ouster

noun

oust·​er ˈau̇-stər 

1

a

: a wrongful dispossession

b

: a judgment removing an officer or depriving a corporation of a franchise

2

: expulsion

Examples of ouster in a Sentence

The news reported the ouster of the dictator.

the dictator's ouster by the rebels

Recent Examples on the Web

Critics say college dismantled oversight to control money After the ousters of Sheehy and McDonough, concerns about the handling of donor funds did not subside. —Alice Herman, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025

Yunus’s announcement follows a major political crisis triggered by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025

Millions of South Korean voters are casting their ballots on Tuesday for a new president in a snap election following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025

Citizens Union is the latest group to throw its weight behind Cuomo’s mayoral bid despite calling for his ouster as governor. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French, from oster, ouster to oust

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

ouster

noun

oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər 

: the act or an instance of ousting or being ousted

Legal Definition

ouster

noun

oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər 

1

: wrongful dispossession especially of a cotenant

2

: a judgment removing a public officer or depriving a corporation of a public franchise