catastrophe
noun
a sudden and widespread disaster.
catastrophes
-
pluralof catastrophe.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Economic losses from natural catastrophes worldwide are estimated to have reached $100 billion in the first half of this year, reinsurance group Swiss Re said Tuesday, a sharp decline from the period last year.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
"Nature is quite resilient, but it can't cope with catastrophes on this scale over and over again. It won't keep on coming back."
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
Nolan has anchored his “Odyssey” at the fall of the Bronze Age, a once-great era toppled by wealth-hoarding, diminished trade and climate catastrophes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
Advocates and industry officials alike say the CSB, though understaffed and lacking enforcement power, has been a crucial watchdog doing autopsies of catastrophes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026
What kind of place can this be, safe from earthly catastrophes?
From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau
