participation

American

[pahr-tis-uh-pey-shuhn] / pɑrˌtɪs əˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

an act or instance of participating.
the fact of taking part, as in some action or attempt.

participation in a celebration.
a sharing, as in benefits or profits.

participation in a pension plan.

adjective

of or relating to a venture characterized by more than one person, bank, or company participating in risk or profit.

a participation loan.

Other Word Forms

preparticipation noun
underparticipation noun

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

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.

"Our new engagement strategy aims to increase understanding and enable participation in the work of the assembly, including bringing more people to Parliament Buildings," it added.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Higher labor-force participation would actually be good news for the job market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The war has thrown in doubt Iran's participation at the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

But he also stresses that overwhelming participation and public organizing are the ultimate backstops if election results are contested.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

And the participation of Marina’s aviators in the war effort would help present a picture of the nation as equal in all ways.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023