wipe·out
ˈwīp-ˌau̇t 
1
: the act or an instance of wiping out : complete or utter destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
3
: a total or decisive defeat : drubbing
wiped out; wiping out; wipes out
: to destroy completely : annihilate
: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control
Examples of wipeout in a Sentence
Noun
The surfer had a nasty wipeout.
Verb
he didn't get his gambling under control until he had already wiped out his entire life savings
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephen Neukam, Axios, 4 Apr. 2025
To date, Lanning is 2-4 in the most meaningful games, with three narrow losses to Washington, wins over Ohio State and Penn State (in the Big Ten championship) and the wipeout in the Rose Bowl.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025
Michael Grunwald, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025
Ukraine wiped out dozens of Russian aircraft over the weekend, a day before talks in Istanbul between both sides failed to reach a breakthrough.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wipeout
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Noun
The big picture: The Democrats' wipeout loss last year has opened a window for fresh voices in the party.
—Stephen Neukam, Axios, 4 Apr. 2025
To date, Lanning is 2-4 in the most meaningful games, with three narrow losses to Washington, wins over Ohio State and Penn State (in the Big Ten championship) and the wipeout in the Rose Bowl.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
That could wipe out the Amazon rainforest and other natural carbon storehouses that are not only refuges for wildlife but our best defense against climate chaos.
—Michael Grunwald, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025
Ukraine wiped out dozens of Russian aircraft over the weekend, a day before talks in Istanbul between both sides failed to reach a breakthrough.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wipeout
Cite this Entry
“Wipeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wipeout. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wipeout
1 of 2 noun
wipe·out
ˈwīp-ˌau̇t
1
: complete destruction
2
: a fall or crash caused usually by losing control
wipeouts on the downhill ski course are common
3
: total or final defeat
couldn't bear to watch the team's wipeout
wipe out
2 of 2 verb1
: to destroy completely
crops wiped out by flooding
2
: to fall or crash usually as a result of losing control
the surfer wiped out
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