inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as
b
: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang
c
: empty pretentiousness : pomposity
2
: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

Examples of inflation in a Sentence

the inflation of a balloon The government has been unable to control inflation. The rate of inflation is high.
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.
Chipotle, like other restaurants and fast-food chains that rely on supplies from Mexico, also forecast tepid annual comparable sales growth, bracing for a hit from inflation. Ananya Mariam Rajesh, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 Factor in Trump’s tariffs, which are taxes on imports and hence fundamentally price increases, and inflation could be getting two shots in the arm. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025 Stocks also took a hit last Wednesday after Fed chief Powell warned that tariffs could drive up U.S. inflation and stymie growth. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025 With fixed or limited income, the threats and implementation of tariffs plus the effect of years of relatively high inflation rates has taken their toll. Jim Wang, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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