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.
Of those two, Sanders is closer to being an NFL starter because of his accuracy, toughness and decision-making. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025 All of this is because of what happened last year. Brody Miller, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 The 20-year-old should be cut some slack because of his age. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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