prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
ˈprev-lən(t)s
Synonyms of prevalence
1
: the quality or state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Synonyms of prevalence

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Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
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.
Lingerie as occasionwear was also a headlining theme this season, with Heuritech data reflecting its prevalence. — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 Now the prevalence of malaria is around 7%, and deaths of children under five decreased by 78%. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 The company’s new Aura software measures hive health, pollen counts, and pesticide prevalence across its 2,200 hives spread around more than 70 cities. — Drew Robb, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Medicare Advantage plans shift costs to enrollees A defining feature of Florida’s Medicare Advantage market is the prevalence of plans charging no monthly premium beyond the beneficiary’s required Part B expense. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevalence

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalence was in 1682

Rhymes for prevalence

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Browse Nearby Words

Préval
prevalence
prevalent
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Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
1
: the state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prevalence

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