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

Biosphere 2’s Landscape Evolution Observatory is ideal for the careful study of how weathering and primary succession work together. —Chris Impey, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025

All novel methods, such as DAC, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering, remove less than 2 million tonnes a year, according to the 2024 State of Carbon Dioxide Removal study. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Sep. 2025

As subduction zones burned through the carbon-rich crust at the edges of the Pangaea supercontinent, any rock weathering that might have buried carbon dioxide now sputtered in the vast interior. —Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

Traditional studies had mapped boulder tracks but could not reliably tell which ones were new, because older tracks gradually fade due to space weathering. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 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