termination

noun

ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce termination (audio)
1
: end in time or existence : conclusion
the termination of life
2
: the last part of a word
especially : an inflectional ending
3
: the act of terminating
4
: a limit in space or extent : bound
5
terminational adjective

Examples of termination in a Sentence

The law protects against unfair contract termination. the termination of a lease an early termination of the contract The company noted over 300 terminations last quarter. Are there plans for the termination of unproductive employees?
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.
Would that be grounds for termination as 'DEI' or 'woke'? John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025 Among those officials were longtime career trial attorneys Molly Gaston, J.P. Cooney, Mary Dohrmann and Anne McNamara, all of whom were informed of their terminations Monday, an official confirmed to ABC News. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025 Their terminations come as part of dramatic adjustments at the Justice Department in the first week of the new administration and could represent the start of Trump’s retribution tour against those who took the president to court. Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Jan. 2025 Acting Attorney General James McHenry sent a termination letter to each official, the spokesperson confirmed Monday. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for termination 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of termination was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near termination

Cite this Entry

“Termination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/termination. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

termination

noun
ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce termination (audio)
: an end or ending of something
especially : a distal end of an anatomical part

More from Merriam-Webster on termination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!