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

For Republicans, even a small erosion in Democratic support or turnout in Detroit could matter in a Senate contest expected to be decided by a narrow margin. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026

The Santa Cruz shoreline could see significant beach loss along with localized flooding and erosion next to the beach and San Lorenzo Creek. — CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

This weekend’s storms didn’t bring any major new erosion problems, said Steward, although areas that had been in the news during recent wave events probably saw some minor impacts. — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Coastal flooding, which has brought beach erosion along much of Florida’s east coast will continue to be a threat at high tide around midday. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 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