noun
evolution
ee-vuh-LOOSHN
noun
1
The gradual process by which species of living things change over many generations, driven by natural selection.
"Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species adapt over time."
2
A gradual process of development or change in something over time.
"The evolution of smartphones has been remarkably fast."
"You can trace the evolution of the company's brand over three decades."
How to Use Evolution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGradual change over time — most often used for species adapting biologically, but also for anything that develops step by step.
Common pairings
theory of evolution
evolution of
rapid evolution
Word Forms
evolutions plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “evolution”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Darwin's theory of _____ explains how species adapt over time.
Etymology
From Latin ēvolūtiō, "the unrolling (of a scroll)," from ēvolvere, "to unroll or unfold."