wipeout

1 of 2

noun

wipe·​out ˈwīp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce wipeout (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of wiping out : complete or utter destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
3
: a total or decisive defeat : drubbing

wipe out

2 of 2

verb

wiped out; wiping out; wipes out

transitive verb

: to destroy completely : annihilate

intransitive verb

: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control

Examples of wipeout in a Sentence

Noun The surfer had a nasty wipeout. Verb he didn't get his gambling under control until he had already wiped out his entire life savings
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.
Noun
This wipeout erased over $800 billion in market value, the steepest drop Tesla has seen in years. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The stock’s wipeout has caused Musk’s net worth to plunge by more than $150 billion so far this year. Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
In fact, a measles infection has the ability to wipe out immune responses built up against other infections—a phenomenon called immune amnesia, driven by the destruction of memory T- and B-cells. Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025 President Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order eliminating diversity programming at the State Department, wiping out the Biden administration’s initiative to remove barriers to employment for underrepresented groups. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wipeout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wipeout was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Wipeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wipeout. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

wipeout

1 of 2 noun
wipe·​out ˈwīp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce wipeout (audio)
1
: complete destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
wipeouts on the downhill ski course are common
3
: total or final defeat
couldn't bear to watch the team's wipeout

wipe out

2 of 2 verb
1
: to destroy completely
crops wiped out by flooding
2
: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control
the surfer wiped out
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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