weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-riŋ,

ˈwe-t͟hə- 

: the action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

specifically : the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

Examples of weathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most of the surface was covered by ice, so there was no to little sunlight reaching the oceans, and with no weathering happening on the frozen-solid continents, no nutrients were washed into the sea. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025

Ice also isolates the bedrock from rapid temperature changes and reduces weathering. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

But the Sears has chugged along, weathering trends in shopping preferences. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for weathering

• feathering
• tethering

Kids Definition

weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing

ˈwet͟h-(ə-)riŋ

: the action of the forces of nature that changes the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects

especially : the physical and chemical breakdown of earth materials at or near the earth's surface