weathering

noun

weath·​er·​ing
ˈwet͟h-riŋ,
ˈwe-t͟hə- How to pronounce weathering (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025 Today’s oxygen levels in Earth’s atmosphere are a stable balance between processes that produce oxygen — like photosynthesis by plants and microorganisms — and those that consume it — like rock weathering and oxygen-breathing organisms. David Bressan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The novel carbon removal method builds on a natural process known as weathering, where common minerals called silicates react with water and atmospheric CO2 to form solid carbonate minerals over thousands of years. New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025 Without natural forests and with high temperatures and humidity, weathering and sheet wash likely destroyed any archaeological remains that may have once existed. Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weathering

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weathering was in 1548

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Cite this Entry

“Weathering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weathering. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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