English dictionary

onset Meaning & Definition

/ˈɒnˌsɛt/

What Does Onset Mean?

Onset is a noun that means The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent. It is also used to mean The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus. As a verb, it means To assault; to set upon.

Onset at a Glance

Part of speech	noun, verb
Pronunciation	/ˈɒnˌsɛt/
Synonyms	beginning, start and storming
Antonyms	coda
Plural	onsets

Onset Definition (Noun)

The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent.
the onset of schizophrenia
The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus.
The beginning of a musical note or other sound, in which the amplitude rises from zero to an initial peak.
A setting about; a beginning.
the onset of puberty
Anything added, such as an ornament or as a useful appendage.
An attack; an assault especially of an army.

Onset as a Verb

To assault; to set upon.
To set about; to begin.

Noun

(acoustics) The beginning of a musical note or other sound, in which the amplitude rises from zero to an initial peak.

Synonyms of Onset

beginning start storming

Onset synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Onset

coda

Onset in a Sentence

the onset of schizophrenia

the onset of puberty

Word Forms & Grammar

onset (plural onsets)

onset (third-person singular simple present onsets, present participle onsetting, simple past and past participle onset)

Origin of Onset

From on- +‎ set. Compare Old English onsettan (“to impose; oppress, bear down”). For semantic parallels for the meaning to assault, compare cognate Russian насе́сть pf (naséstʹ), наседа́ть impf (nasedátʹ).

Quick Answers About Onset

Is onset a noun or a verb?

Onset is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.

What is another word for onset?

You can replace onset with words such as beginning, start and storming. See the full list of onset synonyms and antonyms.