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

Iceland is a country in a constant state of transformation, reshaped by ongoing volcanic eruptions, erosion, and shifting ice. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Waves are larger when there is less ice, which can lead to lakeshore flooding and erosion. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Levees and deep water shipping channels are both sustaining more damage due to storms and erosion and landslides that follow drought and wildfires. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

The outer rings mostly consist of more erosion-resistant rock, while the interior exposes older layers that once lay deep underground. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Dec. 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