hypocenter

noun

hy·​po·​cen·​ter ˈhī-pə-ˌsen-tər How to pronounce hypocenter (audio)
1
: the focus of an earthquake compare epicenter sense 1
2
: the point on the earth's surface directly below the center of a nuclear bomb explosion
hypocentral
ˌhī-pə-ˈsen-trəl How to pronounce hypocenter (audio)
adjective

Examples of hypocenter 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.
At the speed of light, a trillion of them passed through those near the bomb’s hypocenter. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 That underground starting point is known as the hypocenter or focus. — Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 The hibakusha testimonies were labelled by city, gender, and distance from the hypocenter. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 When an earthquake happens, seismic waves spread from the hypocenter in all directions, traveling through Earth. — David Bressan, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypocenter

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypocenter was in 1905

Rhymes for hypocenter

See All Rhymes for hypocenter

Browse Nearby Words

hypocaust
hypocenter
hypocentrum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypocenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocenter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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