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

Third place went to The Sand Savers, who tackled beach erosion, a slow-moving but expensive crisis for coastal South Florida. —Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026

In the Southland, strong El Niños increase the likelihood of wet winters that replenish water supplies and decrease wildfire frequency but can also lead to flooding, debris flows and coastal erosion. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Hair cap moss is also one of the best mosses to grow for erosion control. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

The toll of that erosion has been felt by many cities and towns, municipal leaders say. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026

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