prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
ˈprev-lən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
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.
Chalk up the prevalence of red watches to Formula 1 fever—at TAG Heuer, especially. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025 The fact that both artists are associated with the 2007-2009 'era' of recession pop is contributing to their prevalence this time around. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The department is preparing to release new dietary guidelines by the end of this year, presumably ones aimed at lowering obesity rates, which in turn could in the long run reduce the prevalence of certain chronic diseases. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The new bills, passed by the Council in a unanimous vote, aim to curb the prevalence of the sheds, which many lawmakers, business owners and others say hamper pedestrian flow and local commerce. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevalence

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalence was in 1682

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
1
: the state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalence

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