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

Applying mulch to your garden helps prevent weeds, retain soil moisture, and minimize erosion. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026

Every rain event that exposes bare dirt increases erosion. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026

From weed prevention to erosion control, discover the best ways to safely and sustainably reuse dryer lint in your backyard garden. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Originally introduced from the African continent for erosion control and as livestock forage, now this species is imperiling Arizona’s beloved saguaro cactuses, palo verde and summer wildflowers, transforming swaths of the Sonoran Desert into a grassland monoculture. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 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