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.
Beach erosion and flooding of beach parking lots and pathways are likely. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 The greatest concern is high tide through Sunday morning and swells from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel could create dangerous conditions with beach erosion and seawater once again flooding beach roads and paths. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Shoreline erosion will occur during high tides in the mornings. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 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 14 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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