weathering

American  

[weth-er-ing] / ˈwɛð ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. Architecture. wash.

2. material used as a weather strip.

3. Geology. the various mechanical and chemical processes that cause exposed rock to decompose.

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weathering British  

/ ˈwɛðərɪŋ /

noun

1. the mechanical and chemical breakdown of rocks by the action of rain, snow, cold, etc

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weathering Scientific  

/ wĕth′ər-ĭng /

1. Any of the chemical or mechanical processes by which rocks exposed to the weather undergo chemical decomposition and physical disintegration. Although weathering usually occurs at the Earth's surface, it can also occur at significant depths, for example through the percolation of groundwater through fractures in bedrock. It usually results in changes in the color, texture, composition, or hardness of the affected rocks.

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weathering Cultural  

1. The process by which rocks are broken down into small grains and soil. Weathering can happen through rainfall, ice formation, or the action of living things, such as algae and plant roots. It is part of the geological cycle.

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Etymology

Origin of weathering

First recorded in 1655–65; weather + -ing ¹

Explanation

When rocks are gradually worn away by water, salt, wind, plants, and animals, it's called weathering. Many of the world's most breathtaking rock formations are the result of weathering. Weathering is the process of rocks disintegrating due to weather conditions or other biological causes. This includes chemical effects caused by minerals, physical pressure from plants or animals, and the scraping of ice as it freezes and thaws. During weathering, the worn-away pieces of rock stay nearby; if they're swept away by water or wind, that's called erosion.

Example Sentences

California was weathering its worst recession in decades and a punishing drought.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

After weathering the ups and downs of Peruvian politics, in 1839 he left the country for good and later became Britain’s first consul-general to the Hawaiian court of King Kamehameha III.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Delta and United are weathering the fuel shock with healthy balance sheets, while American has struggled to find consistent profitability.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

On a somewhat related note, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which would have easily made this list a decade ago, have since graduated off it, and are weathering a spike in fuel prices well.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

He wavers for a moment like he’s on the deck of a ship weathering a storm.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion