weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-riŋ, 

ˈwe-t͟hə- 

: the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

specifically : the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

Examples of weathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, while chemically the same, beach sand is made up of tiny crystals of quartz that have been pulverized by geological weathering and the pounding of ocean waves. —John Ballato, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026

Factors linked to starting menstruation at a young age are lower weight at birth, higher weight in childhood, and weathering, the sum total of lifelong racial stressors owing to discrimination, poverty, housing segregation, pollution, and fears about personal safety. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 18 Mar. 2026

This kind of weathering is a significant step toward becoming a more soil-like material. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for weathering

• feathering
• tethering

Kids Definition

weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-(ə-)riŋ

: the action of the forces of nature that changes the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

especially : the physical and chemical breakdown of earth materials at or near the earth's surface