participation
Americannoun
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an act or instance of participating.
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the fact of taking part, as in some action or attempt.
participation in a celebration.
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a sharing, as in benefits or profits.
participation in a pension plan.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of participation
First recorded in 1325–75; from Late Latin participātiōn-, stem of participātiō; equivalent to participate + -ion; replacing Middle English participacioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin, as above
Explanation
Participation in extracurricular activities makes you a well-rounded person. Getting involved in different groups and pursuits is not only educational, but also an opportunity to make lifelong friends. Notice that the first syllable in this noun is part-, as in, “take part.” Participation is the act of participating, or being related to a larger whole. Another word for this is involvement. A person can enjoy participation in a club, a celebration, or even a conversation.
Vocabulary lists containing participation
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Sports and Hobbies
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Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 5)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From there, “You Must be Here for the Reading” becomes a show heavy on audience participation.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
State law, which favors voter participation over speed, requires that election officials verify and count every ballot that is postmarked by Election Day and arrives within a week after.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Despite the heavy element of retail participation, analysts and strategists emphasize that the South Korean market has genuine fundamental appeal to investors.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
"Our national heritage and environment must be safeguarded from greed and unnecessary destruction without public participation," he added.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
Students also involved themselves in the movement to gain equal rights, in voter registration and participation drives, and in state and national politics.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
