enlargement

American  

[en-lahrj-muhnt] / ɛnˈlɑrdʒ mənt /

noun

1. an act of enlarging; increase, expansion, or amplification.

2. anything, as a photograph, that is an enlarged form of something.

3. anything that enlarges something else; addition.

   The new wing formed a considerable enlargement to the building.

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Other Word Forms

• preenlargement noun
• proenlargement adjective
• reenlargement noun

Etymology

Origin of enlargement

First recorded in 1530–40; enlarge + -ment

Example Sentences

Kala-azar is spread by sandflies and is one of the most dangerous neglected tropical diseases, with a fatality rate of 95 percent if untreated, causing fever, weight loss, and enlargement of the spleen and liver.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

From 2000 he focused on the European economy ahead of the European Union's 2004 enlargement, and subsequently oversaw coverage of economic indicators, central bank decisions and bond markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

Biden had previously been diagnosed with benign enlargement of the prostate.

From BBC • May 20, 2025

In addition to herbal supplements, however, some cleanses include ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used to treat river blindness and elephantitis, which leads to the painful enlargement of body parts.

From Salon • May 18, 2025

Uncle Al is desolate, weeping and honking into his red handkerchief and allowing himself only the occasional upward glance to gauge whether the procession’s speed allows for maximum crowd enlargement.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• augmentation
• growth