erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce erosion (audio)
Synonyms of erosion
1
a
: the action or process of eroding
b
: the state of being eroded
2
: an instance or product of erosion
erosional
i-ˈrō-zh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce erosion (audio)
adjective
erosionally
i-ˈrō-zh(ə-)nəl-ē How to pronounce erosion (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of erosion

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Examples of erosion in a Sentence

Landscapers planted grass to stop the erosion of the hillside. Centuries of erosion by wind have carved grooves in the rocks.
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.
Its sculptural geometry seems born of chance, gently carved and polished over time by the slow, relentless action of wind and erosion. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Perceptions of the economy were among the main sources of erosion in Lula’s support during the campaign. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 But the investigation cuts at the core of Collins’ Maine-first brand, McGrath argued, so even a small erosion of support could be the difference in a close race. — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 The affected rail line, used by Metrolink and Amtrak trains that connect Orange County to San Diego along the Pacific Coast, has long been threatened by coastal erosion and was already closed for several days over the summer. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for erosion

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of erosion was in 1541

Phrases Containing erosion

Rhymes for erosion

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Browse Nearby Words

erosible
erosion
erosional
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Cite this Entry

“Erosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erosion. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

erosion

noun
ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce erosion (audio)
: the action or process of eroding : the state of being eroded
erosional
-ˈrōzh-nəl How to pronounce erosion (audio)
-ˈrō-zhən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

erosion

noun
ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən How to pronounce erosion (audio)
1
a
: the superficial destruction of a surface area of tissue (as mucous membrane) by inflammation, ulceration, or trauma
erosion of the uterine cervix
b
: progressive loss of the hard substance of a tooth
2
: an instance or product of erosion
a circular erosion on the skin

More from Merriam-Webster on erosion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about erosion

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