erased; erasing; erases
1
a
: to rub or scrape out (something, such as written, painted, or engraved letters)
erase an error
b
: to remove written or drawn marks from
erase a blackboard
c
: to remove (recorded matter) from a magnetic medium (such as magnetic tape)
also
: to remove recorded matter from
erase a hard drive
d
: to delete from computer storage
erase a file
2
a
: to remove from existence or memory as if by erasing
b
: to nullify the effect or force of
: to yield to erasure
Synonyms
Examples of erase in a Sentence
The recording can be erased and the tape used again.
Several important files were accidentally erased.
You can erase the tape and use it again.
She erased the wrong answer from her paper and filled in the correct one.
I erased the chalk marks from the blackboard.
Recent Examples on the Web
On January 1, the Spanish top flight then erased the players from Barca's squad on its official website.
—
Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Be sure to erase any personal data before recycling electronics.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Jan. 2025
In quick succession, USC erased a 17-point deficit behind its quarterback’s cannon right arm.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Many homes are destroyed, another Rohingya repository erased.
—Adam Ferguson, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for erase 
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Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Be sure to erase any personal data before recycling electronics.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Jan. 2025
In quick succession, USC erased a 17-point deficit behind its quarterback’s cannon right arm.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Many homes are destroyed, another Rohingya repository erased.
—Adam Ferguson, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for erase
Dictionary Entries Near erase
Cite this Entry
“Erase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erase. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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erase
verb
erased; erasing
1
a
: to rub out (as something written)
b
: to remove written or drawn marks from
erase a chalkboard
c
: to remove recorded matter from
erase a videotape
d
: to delete from a computer storage device
erase a file
2
: to remove as if by erasing
erase an event from one's memory
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