erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən 

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 

adjective

erosionally

i-ˈrō-zh(ə-)nəl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• corrosion

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

Coastal flooding from storm surge, beach erosion and strong coastal winds would also be threats regardless of a landfall. —Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

The only way to stop this erosion is to remember what unites us, while seeking common ground, without vilifying the other side. —Mark Waller, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025

Potential downsides include reflux, tooth enamel erosion, diarrhea, and even liver injury with long-term or high-dose use. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025

Wildfires can lead to severe land damage, posing risks like erosion, flooding and infrastructure harm. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing erosion

• gully erosion

Rhymes for erosion

• corrosion
• explosion
• implosion

Kids Definition

erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən 

: the action or process of eroding : the state of being eroded

erosional

-ˈrōzh-nəl 

-ˈrō-zhən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

erosion

noun

ero·​sion i-ˈrō-zhən 

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