evolution

noun

evo·​lu·​tion ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən  ˌē-və- 

1

a

: descent with modification from preexisting species : cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations

Evolution is a process of continuous branching and diversification from common trunks. This pattern of irreversible separation gives life's history its basic directionality.

—Stephen Jay Gould

also : the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization)

Since 1950, developments in molecular biology have had a growing influence on the theory of evolution.

—Nature

In Darwinian evolution, the basic mechanism is genetic mutation, followed by selection of the organisms most likely to survive.

—Pamela Weintraub

b

: the historical development of a biological group (such as a species) : phylogeny

2

a

: a process of change in a certain direction : unfolding

b

: the action or an instance of forming and giving something off : emission

c(1)

: a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state : growth

(2)

: a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance

d

: something evolved

3

: the process of working out or developing

4

: the extraction of a mathematical root

5

: a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena

6

: one of a set of prescribed movements

evolutionarily

ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ə-lē 

ˌē-və-

adverb

evolutionary

ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē 

ˌē-və-

adjective

evolutionism

ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌni-zəm 

ˌē-və-

noun

evolutionist

ˌe-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist 

ˌē-və-

noun or adjective

Synonyms

• development
• elaboration
• expansion
• growth
• progress
• progression

Examples of evolution in a Sentence

changes brought about by evolution

an important step in the evolution of computers

Recent Examples on the Web

This year, the initiative carries even greater significance as two Black quarterbacks prepare to face off in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans—a historic moment in the sport’s evolution. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 1 Feb. 2025

The album, released under Universal Music Latino and co-produced by the young singer-songwriter mostly with Julio Reyes Copello, represents a crucial moment in her artistic and emotional evolution, with a mature, authentic, and reflective proposal. —Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2025

Read more Bird flu: Vaccines may drive virus evolution H5N9 bird flu outbreak: What are the symptoms to look out for? —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Her evolution has been shaped by her 22 years in the Army, including deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Djibouti. —Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin ēvolūtiōn-, ēvolūtiō "unfolding of a curve (in geometry), emergence from an enclosing structure, historical development," going back to Medieval Latin, "unfolding of a tale, lapse of time," going back to Latin, "unrolling of a papyrus scroll while reading it," from ēvolū-, variant stem of ēvolvere "to roll out or away, unwind, unroll" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at evolve

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Phrases Containing evolution

• anti-evolution
• convergent evolution
• creative evolution
• divergent evolution
• emergent evolution
• parallel evolution

Kids Definition

evolution

noun

ev·​o·​lu·​tion

ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən,

ˌē-və-

1

a

: a process of change in a certain direction

especially : a process of constant change from a lower or simple state to a higher or complex state : growth

b

: something evolved

2

: the process of working out or developing

3

a

: the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations

b

: the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (as natural selection or genetic mutation)

evolutionary

-shə-ˌner-ē

adjective

Medical Definition

evolution

noun

evo·​lu·​tion

ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən also ˌē-və-

1

: a process of change in a certain direction

tumor evolution and progression

—I. J. Fidler et al.

2

a

: descent with modification from preexisting species : cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations

also : the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization)

Since 1950, developments in molecular biology have had a growing influence on the theory of evolution.

—Nature

b

: the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : phylogeny

evolutionarily

-shə-ˌner-ə-lē 

adverb

evolutionary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective