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

The process of weathering and/or microbial action gradually breaks down that seed coat to let the water in, but that process may take several years. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

On Earth, these shifting plates drive volcanism and rock weathering, which are key to carbon cycling. —Morgan Underwood, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025

The team analyzed chemical and physical weathering rates to come up with its age estimate. —Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2025

Southern China’s tropical to subtropical climate – with heavy rainfall, heat, and humidity – accelerates chemical weathering, while the region’s long history of tectonic and magmatic activity adds further erosion. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 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