because of

preposition

: by reason of : on account of

Examples of because of in a Sentence

I was late for work because of the snowstorm, which made driving a nightmare.
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.
Trump turned to a special authority available to him because of DC's unique status as a federal enclave to deploy the National Guard to DC. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 The sheriff is in the news again because of Soliman. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025 As expected, because of propriety, Barrett didn’t discuss any current cases that have been before the Supreme Court, including the order earlier this week to lift limitations on immigration stops in Los Angeles. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 The latter are falling out of favor because of their excessive carbon footprints. Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for because of

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of because of was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Because of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/because%20of. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

because of

preposition
: by reason of

More from Merriam-Webster on because of

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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