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.
Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 After six weeks of daily use, there were no signs of wear and tear. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024 Types of Passport Damage There are two main types of passport damage — normal wear and tear and genuine damage — but the line between them can be blurred, and the final judgment call comes down to the individual examining your passport, whether that’s an airline employee or an immigration officer. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2024 As time goes on, wear and tear will fit right in and only add to the appeal. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024 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 Nov. 2024.

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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