landslide

1 of 2

noun

land·​slide ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd How to pronounce landslide (audio)
Synonyms of landslidenext
1
: the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or artificial fill on a slope
also : the mass that moves down
2
a
: a great majority of votes for one side
b
: an overwhelming victory

landslide

2 of 2

verb

landslid ˈlan(d)-ˌslid How to pronounce landslide (audio) ; landsliding ˈlan(d)-ˌslī-diŋ How to pronounce landslide (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to produce a landslide
2
: to win an election by a heavy majority

Examples of landslide in a Sentence

Noun The earthquake triggered a landslide. They were buried under the landslide. The presidential election turned out to be one of the biggest landslides in history. She won the election by a landslide.
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.
Noun
This move comes around two years after he was elected in a landslide victory. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 June 2026 Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
In rural Appalachia, where landslides scarred slopes and water thundered into narrow valleys, damage from Helene is severe and recovery slow. — Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024 That isn’t exactly landslide territory. — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for landslide

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of landslide was in 1822

Rhymes for landslide

See All Rhymes for landslide

Browse Nearby Words

landsleit
landslide
landslip
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

landslide

noun
land·​slide
ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd
1
: the slipping down of a mass of rocks or earth on a steep slope
also : the mass of material that slides
2
: an overwhelming victory especially in an election
won by a landslide
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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