eraser

American

[ih-rey-ser] / ɪˈreɪ sər /

noun

a device, as a piece of rubber or cloth, for erasing marks made with pen, pencil, chalk, etc.
a person or thing that erases.

eraser British

/ ɪˈreɪzə /

noun

an object, such as a piece of rubber or felt, used for erasing something written, typed, etc

a pencil eraser

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of eraser

First recorded in 1780–90; erase + -er ¹

Vocabulary lists containing eraser

List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The state’s prior enforcement becomes a kind of legal eraser, wiping away the injured party’s ability to seek future protection.

From Slate • Jan. 8, 2026

I asked to borrow his eraser to remove the scuff marks from my paddle.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

One of his favourite items is a giant eraser from 2009 - a rare item because Ziggy said he "can't find any images of them online".

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

A missing eraser is Pak-san playing a trick on him.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2024

My eraser squeaks so much a kid stares.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023