hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ How to pronounce hardening (audio)
ˈhär-dᵊn-iŋ
: sclerosis sense 1
hardening of the arteries

Examples of hardening in a Sentence

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.
This suggests that the hardening of public opinion against mass immigration that took place when the border was in shambles under Biden may be softening as net immigration drops overall under Trump. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025 But the situation on the ground, and in the air, remains volatile, with rhetoric hardening and mutual distrust appearing to deepen. Nbc News, NBC news, 22 June 2025 Other priorities also included holding an evacuation simulation; removing flammable vegetation around WUI roadways, residences and open spaces; and promoting firewise communities and inspections for home hardening initiatives. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 Home hardening is using fire-resistant building materials and vegetation management, such as planting succulents, to reduce fire risks. Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hardening

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardening was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hardening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardening. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hardening

noun
hard·​en·​ing
: sclerosis
hardening of the arteries

Medical Definition

hardening

noun
hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ, -ᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce hardening (audio)
: sclerosis sense 1
hardening of the arteries

More from Merriam-Webster on hardening

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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