ouster

noun

oust·​er ˈau̇-stər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
Synonyms of ousternext
1
a
: a wrongful dispossession
b
: a judgment removing an officer or depriving a corporation of a franchise
2
: expulsion
the ouster of the dictator

Examples of ouster in a Sentence

The news reported the ouster of the dictator. the dictator's ouster by the rebels
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.
Trump has called for Zelensky’s ouster and suggested that Russia is more willing than Ukraine to bring the war to an end. — Violet Jira, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party took power following the popular ouster in 2024 of autocratic former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whom India granted sanctuary, deepening the rift between the neighbors. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 Speaking to those in the industry on Monday after Lin’s ouster, multiple sources noted that no one executive can be blamed if Netflix’s film slate does not appeal to audiences in a meaningful way. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 The results come on the heels of last week’s layoffs, the company’s deepest cuts since 2022, as well as the ouster of high-level executives including content chief Bela Bajaria. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ouster

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French, from oster, ouster to oust

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ouster was in 1531

Browse Nearby Words

oust
ouster
out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

ouster

noun
oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
: the act or an instance of ousting or being ousted

Legal Definition

ouster

noun
oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
1
: wrongful dispossession especially of a cotenant
2
: a judgment removing a public officer or depriving a corporation of a public franchise

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