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

A number of factors contribute to the erosion of the Outer Banks barrier islands, including their low-lying and naturally sandy character, which leaves them vulnerable to shifting and wave action. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025

Some need shoreline stabilization to prevent erosion or rules that reduce human pressure on spring vegetation. —Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

Goodall also widened her view of conservation in Gombe beyond the national park, founding a program to reduce deforestation by addressing poverty in the communities around Lake Tanganyika, improving medical facilities, and helping farmers prevent soil erosion. —Michelle Nijhuis, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025

Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 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