critical mass

noun

: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result
the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store

Examples of critical mass in a Sentence

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.
In the United States, the internet became available to a critical mass of users. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2026 The upshot is there is now a critical mass of consumers eager to send their agents to the digital mall. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 The Senate Democrats first elected in 1958 established a critical mass that would later drive the bipartisan super-majorities needed to break the filibuster and pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 The likelihood of winning just comes down to which story a critical mass of voters find most impressive. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for critical mass

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of critical mass was in 1947

Rhymes for critical mass

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Browse Nearby Words

critically
critical mass
criticalness
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Cite this Entry

“Critical mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20mass. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on critical mass

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about critical mass

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