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

This has been primarily due to the wall’s waterspouts (installed during the British Raj), which caused a discharge of monsoon rainwater, resulting in deep erosion and damage. —Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

In cases of severe erosion and decay, crowns can help preserve teeth and maintain function for many years. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025

High surf forecasted for the beaches of northeast SC and Brunswick county Saturday through Sunday, with breaking wave heights of six feet likely and minor beach erosion possible. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2025

Simultaneously, through this influx of change, farmers, scholars, and chefs continue to preserve sovereign Native Hawaiian traditions despite decades of erosion. —Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 July 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