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
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 Tampa Bay’s 43-13 demolition of the Carolina Panthers, Young reverted to the form of his first two years with an offensive line that reverted, too. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026 Israel launched the crackdown following Friday’s attack, carrying out arrests and building demolitions in Hebron, the site of the attack. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The operation comes days before Israel’s election, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing ministers vow forceful action and demolition of Palestinian buildings. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Thanks to a demolition crew’s early Saturday morning implosion, an 18-story office tower that has hung over Clairmont Road in Chamblee for about five decades has been reduced to rubble. — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 24 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 27 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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