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.
Truck Bed Covers Of course, RealTruck is best known for its prevalence in the truck bed covers category, offering over 100 truck bed and tonneau covers for your vehicle. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 Overall, as the survey indicates, the consensus is that parents are getting on board with the prevalence of gaming in our children's lives. Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025 For example, data from medical and pharmacy claims can reveal gaps in adherence or treatment access, while clinical data insights highlight patient demographics and disease prevalence. Kirby Forlin, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa remains hard to pin down, with some research estimating 6.9 percent of the general population struggles with it vs. up to 35 to 57.8 percent of high-risk groups, which include health-care professionals, athletes, artists and others with perfectionist tendencies. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 27 Mar. 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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