landslide

1 of 2

noun

land·​slide ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd How to pronounce landslide (audio)
Synonyms of landslidenext
1
: the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or artificial fill on a slope
also : the mass that moves down
2
a
: a great majority of votes for one side
b
: an overwhelming victory

landslide

2 of 2

verb

landslid ˈlan(d)-ˌslid How to pronounce landslide (audio) ; landsliding ˈlan(d)-ˌslī-diŋ How to pronounce landslide (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to produce a landslide
2
: to win an election by a heavy majority

Examples of landslide in a Sentence

Noun The earthquake triggered a landslide. They were buried under the landslide. The presidential election turned out to be one of the biggest landslides in history. She won the election by a landslide.
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.
Noun
The additional heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides and debris flows, especially in areas where landslides have occurred in the past. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026 The dam formed by the landslide breached, triggering the flood. — Binaj Gurubacharya, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
Rain rates are probably going to be a quarter of an inch per hour or less, making debris flow and landslides unlikely. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 The Bahamas is the third Caribbean country to head to the polls so far this year, after voters in Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda handed the incumbent parties landslide victories. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for landslide

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of landslide was in 1822

Rhymes for landslide

See All Rhymes for landslide

Browse Nearby Words

landsleit
landslide
landslip
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Landslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/landslide. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

landslide

noun
land·​slide
ˈlan(d)-ˌslīd
1
: the slipping down of a mass of rocks or earth on a steep slope
also : the mass of material that slides
2
: an overwhelming victory especially in an election
won by a landslide

More from Merriam-Webster on landslide

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for landslide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about landslide

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