1
: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted
2
: something (such as a solution) that is diluted
3
: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth: as
a
: a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares
b
: a decrease in the value of a trademark arising from use of the mark by another that creates confusion in the consumer
4
: a weakening (as by redistricting) of the voting rights of a group of citizens (such as a minority) that defeats an equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice

Examples of dilution 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.
Different views on the topic The Justice Department says its actions are intended to enforce federal voting laws and protect citizens’ ballots from dilution. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 To be sure, nothing is confirmed about what Meta plans to do with this new Class C stock, but the prospect of investing in a company is less attractive when a dilution event may be just around the corner. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 The urgency is heightened because of the fundamental right to vote and to have one's lawful vote counted without dilution. — Miles Parks, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 The lawsuit also claimed trademark counterfeit and trademark dilution. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dilution

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dīlūtiōn-, dīlūtiō, from Latin dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at dilute entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dilution was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dilution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilution. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

dilution

noun
1
: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted
2
: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Medical Definition

1
: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted
2
: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Legal Definition

1
: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth
specifically : a decrease of the value per share of common stock caused by an increase in the total number of shares
2
: a lessening of the value of a trademark that is caused by use of the mark by another and that creates potential confusion on the part of the consumer
3
: a weakening of the voting rights of a group of citizens (as a minority) because the representatives they elect have no greater legislative power than the representatives elected by smaller voting groups
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