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2
: beginning, commencement
the onset of winter
the onset of age-related diseases
Synonyms
Examples of onset in a Sentence
the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion
the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, the American Cancer Society reports that early onset colorectal cancer cases in adults younger than 50 grew by 2.4% each year from 2012-2021.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
But from the onset, the second-oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere after the United States was beset by armed conflict, foreign interventions, repressive dictators, political violence, and heads of state whose personal ambitions and desire for power fanned instability and revolts.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
From the onset, Unkovski introduces a rich soundtrack that mixes modern English-language songs with tracks specific to the region, as well as Alen Sinkauz and Nenad Sinkauz’s larger-than-life score, which sounds as if Ahmet were a mythical paladin on a quest.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
But conditions like an overactive thyroid, menopause, or early onset of a serious infection can, too, Gee says.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing onset
Dictionary Entries Near onset
Cite this Entry
“Onset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onset. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
onset
noun
on·set
ˈȯn-ˌset
ˈän-
Medical Definition
onset
noun
on·set
ˈȯn-ˌset, ˈän-
: the initial existence or symptoms of a disease
the onset of scarlet fever
More from Merriam-Webster on onset
Nglish: Translation of onset for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of onset for Arabic Speakers
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