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 of erosion

• 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

This latest high-profile military operation in the region marks a significant further erosion. —Anusha Mathur, NPR, 12 Nov. 2025

Signs posted at the trail note the closure and warn hikers that shortcutting causes erosion and damages plants. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Nov. 2025

Chestnut trees hold soil, resist erosion, and absorb carbon from the atmosphere. —Todd Plummer, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025

The Bengals trimmed a 22-point deficit to 12 midway through the second half, compelling Dutcher, who is famously stingy with them, to call timeout to prevent further erosion. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 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