demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌde-mə-ˈli-shən How to pronounce demolition (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
Synonyms of demolitionnext
1
: the act of demolishing: such as
a
: destruction in war by means of explosives
b
: controlled destruction of a building or other structure
The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.
2
demolitions plural : explosives for destruction in war
demolitionist
ˌde-mə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce demolition (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
noun

Synonyms of demolition

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Examples of demolition in a Sentence

The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week. The demolitions should be complete by the end of the year.
Recent Examples on the Web
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The Symphony has said the project would not require demolition of the Miller and Company law offices to the south or nearby townhouses at 50th and Walnut. — Neil Nakahodo, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026 Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for his ballroom project has also been dumped on the grounds. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 The Seminoles crushed Miami like no time ever, winning three in a row against the Hurricanes for the first time in series history by holding UM to minus-33 rushing yards in a 47-0 demolition. — Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 While officials insist the demolitions are a non-negotiable step toward revitalizing the corridor along Old National Highway, the families and owners left in the wake of the bulldozers say true recovery remains a distant promise. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demolition

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dēmōlītiōn-, dēmōlītiō, from dēmōlīrī "to throw down, pull down, demolish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demolition was circa 1550

Phrases Containing demolition

Rhymes for demolition

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Browse Nearby Words

demolish
demolition
demolition bomb
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Cite this Entry

“Demolition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demolition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

demolition

noun
de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌdem-ə-ˈlish-ən How to pronounce demolition (audio)
ˌdē-mə-
: the act of demolishing
especially : destruction by means of explosives
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