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.
Not Mulching Soil needs to be covered to retain moisture and prevent erosion. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026 By the twentieth century, intensive farming practices had left the South dangerously vulnerable to erosion, producing depleted swaths of land where kudzu would later flourish. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Aug. 2026 Advertisement Perhaps the biggest reason the vibes around OpenAI and its CEO have soured is an erosion of public trust. — Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Families may experience wealth erosion from factors beyond taxes, including unplanned care expenses, court costs, conflict, and confusion when important conversations and preparations are delayed. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 25 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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