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.
America’s Health Insurance Plans’ pledge on Wednesday to cover shots currently recommended by ACIP was significant because of the size of its member plans, which together provide coverage and services to over 200 million Americans. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025 As part of preparations for the racially motivated mass shooting, the Discord account admitted to strategically targeting that area in Buffalo because of its large black population. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025 In the province of Alberta, Calgary’s council voted in 2011 to stop fluoridation in part because of community skepticism and because expensive repairs to the equipment were needed, according to Councillor Gian-Carlo Carrà. Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025 McDonald, portrayed as the main attacker, was convicted of murder, but later released because of health issues. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Because of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/because%20of. Accessed 18 Sep. 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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