amplification

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce amplification (audio)
1
a
: an act, example, or product of amplifying
b
: a usually massive replication of genetic material and especially of a gene or DNA sequence (as in a polymerase chain reaction)
2
a
: the particulars by which a statement is expanded
b
: an expanded statement

Examples of amplification in a Sentence

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.
Social media platforms have brought new complexity and amplification to these campaigns. Azwad Anjum Islam, The Conversation, 29 May 2025 The book will be a continuation and amplification of the messages — and calls to action — explored in the New Jersey Democrat’s historic Senate speech earlier this year. Bailey Richards, People.com, 28 May 2025 The right speaker houses all the circuitry and amplification—a 120-watt class-D amplifier—and passes signal and power to the left speaker via standard speaker wire. PC Magazine, 27 May 2025 The most consequential decision here is to forgo amplification, creating a sense of intimacy at the Kansas diner where four bus passengers and their driver (David Shih) wait out the weather. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplification

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin amplificātiōn-, amplificātiō "act of making greater, enlarging upon (in rhetoric)," from amplificāre "to increase the size of, amplify" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplification was in 1546

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amplification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplification. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

amplification

noun
am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce amplification (audio)
: an act, example, or product of amplifying

Medical Definition

amplification

noun
am·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌam-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce amplification (audio)
1
: an act, example, or product of amplifying
2
: a usually massive replication of genetic material and especially of a gene or DNA sequence (as in a polymerase chain reaction)

More from Merriam-Webster on amplification

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