# propagation

/ˌpɹɑpəˈɡeɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹˌɒpɐɡˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/propagation
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the act of spreading something to a larger area or more people. It can describe how plants grow new ones, how news travels, or how sound moves through the air.

For teachers: the act of spreading or transmitting something, such as an idea, a wave, or a biological organism, from one point to another. Often refers to the reproduction of plants or the movement of energy through a medium.

## Examples

- The propagation of the news was very fast.
- Gardeners use stem cuttings for the propagation of rare roses to ensure the new plants are identical to the original.
- The rapid propagation of misinformation across digital platforms has forced researchers to develop more sophisticated algorithms for real-time fact-checking and source verification.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate what is being spread.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.