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
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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear and tear was in 1666

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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