because of

preposition

: by reason of : on account of

Examples of because of in a Sentence

I was late for work because of the snowstorm, which made driving a nightmare.
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.
Moves for other targets, including Kyle Walker-Peters at Southampton, were ruled out because of the cost. Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025 For example, coders, translators and radiologists are all occupations that may be seeing AI increasing their productivity and that seem to be growing despite (or because of) that. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025 Are age 18 or older. Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Kylle' D. McKinney, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 And all the people around you are changing because of you. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for because of 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of because of was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near because of

Cite this Entry

“Because of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/because%20of. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

because of

preposition
: by reason of

More from Merriam-Webster on because of

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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