-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
wear and tear
noun
: the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use
especially
: normal depreciation
Examples of wear and tear in a Sentence
my favorite jeans finally succumbed to wear and tear and had to be replaced
Recent Examples on the Web
Those can be intense because there’s wear and tear in your voice, in your body.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
That's a lot of wear and tear on your body, and a lot of time spent in that building.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
The 480 thread count, long-staple cotton is built to withstand years of wear and tear, and offers a luxurious all-season feel.
—
Maggie Horton, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
All our cells undergo regular wear and tear just from living, eating, and surviving.
—
Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for wear and tear 
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1666, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near wear and tear
Cite this Entry
“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
wear and tear
noun
: the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use
More from Merriam-Webster on wear and tear
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share