growth

noun

ˈgrōth 

1

a(1)

: a stage in the process of growing : size

(2)

: full growth

b

: the process of growing

c

: progressive development : evolution

d

: increase, expansion

the growth of the oil industry

2

a

: something that grows or has grown

a growth of willows

b

: an abnormal proliferation of tissue (such as a tumor)

c

: outgrowth

d

: the result of growth : product

Protestantism was a relatively recent growth.

3

: a producing especially by growing

fruits of his own growth

4

: anticipated progressive growth especially in capital value and income

some investors prefer growth to immediate income

Synonyms

• excrescence
• excrescency
• lump
• neoplasm
• tumor

Examples of growth in a Sentence

He had a growth spurt when he was 16 years old.

She's concerned that the medication might slow her child's growth.

He discovered a substance that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.

The city has undergone explosive growth in recent years.

He sees his college years as an opportunity for personal growth.

It's important to prune the bush every year to encourage new growth.

Their profits have averaged five percent growth in the last four years.

The tree has an average annual growth of almost a foot.

a thick growth of underbrush

Recent Examples on the Web

The drop-off is a sharp turnaround from last year’s growth in freshman enrollment according to a new analysis, commissioned by the National College Attainment Network. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Last year retail spending growth was 3.4 percent, but will likely slow to 3.2 percent this year and then drop to 3.1 percent in 2025. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024

As companies focus on sustainable growth, such a volatile environment inevitably tests their resilience. —Ketil Gjerstad, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024

The Arizona Republic documented the growth of farming towns into a massive metro area. —Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

grow + -th entry 3

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing growth

• anti-growth
• epidermal growth factor
• fibroblast growth factor
• growth area
• growth company
• growth cone
• growth cycle
• growth factor
• growth hormone
• growth industry
• growth potential
• growth regulator
• growth ring
• growth spurt
• human growth hormone
• insulin-like growth factor
• nerve growth factor
• old-growth
• second growth

Kids Definition

growth

noun

ˈgrōth 

1

a

: stage or condition reached in growing : size

the dog hasn't reached full growth

b

: a process of growing especially through an increase in size or amount

a growth of wealth

good nutrition promotes growth

growth of a crystal

c

: a process of developing

the growth of civilization

2

: a result or product of growing

covered with a growth of mold

a thick growth of underbrush

3

: an abnormal mass of tissue (as a tumor or wart)

Medical Definition

growth

noun

ˈgrōth 

1

a(1)

: a stage in the process of growing

(2)

: full growth

b

: the process of growing

2

a

: something that grows or has grown

b

: an abnormal proliferation of tissue (as a tumor)