erase

verb

i-ˈrās How to pronounce erase (audio)
British -ˈrāz
erased; erasing; erases
Synonyms of erasenext

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to yield to erasure
erasability noun
erasable adjective

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
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.
McKinnon was a billionaire in 2021 and 2022 thanks to a surge in software stocks during the time, but saw his fortune tumble as part of a broad selloff that erased billions of dollars from technology valuations. Kirk Ogunrinde, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The birthright citizenship ruling was a win for democracy — and a warning about erasing history, argues columnist Anita Chabria. Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 On the spending side, AI could also help erase inefficiencies, particularly in health programs, where administrative costs alone account for one quarter of all expenses. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new. Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for erase

Word History

Etymology

Latin erasus, past participle of eradere, from e- + radere to scratch, scrape — more at rodent

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of erase was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Erase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erase. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
erasability noun
erasable adjective

Legal Definition

erase

transitive verb
erased; erasing
: to seal and protect (criminal records) from disclosure

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