shrinkage

noun

shrink·​age ˈshriŋ-kij How to pronounce shrinkage (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈsriŋ-
1
: the act or process of shrinking
2
a
: the loss in weight of livestock during shipment and in the process of preparing the meat for consumption
b
: the loss of goods especially by theft
inventory shrinkage
3
: the amount lost by shrinkage

Examples of shrinkage in a Sentence

The shrinkage in contributions is significant. a shrinkage of 10 percent the shrinkage of the polar ice caps
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.
Canvas is a highly shrink-prone material because the heat from a dryer can cause irreversible shrinkage even at its lowest setting. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024 The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that retail shrinkage costs the industry billions annually. Nico Müller, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 One key that escaped shrinkage is the Microsoft Copilot button, found on every PC nowadays. PCMAG, 13 Oct. 2024 The crossword group also had less shrinkage in the brain's hippocampus and cortex regions.18 Try Tai Chi Tai chi is an exercise routine that originated in China and is based on martial arts. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shrinkage 

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrinkage was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near shrinkage

Cite this Entry

“Shrinkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrinkage. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shrinkage

noun
shrink·​age ˈshriŋ-kij How to pronounce shrinkage (audio)
: the amount by which something shrinks or becomes less

More from Merriam-Webster on shrinkage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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