English Reference

Word

shearing

Phoneticsshear·ing

US/ˈʃɪɹɪŋ/

UK/ʃˈiəɹɪŋ/

Definition

n. the process of cutting or removing material from a surface, often in mining or construction. It involves using a tool to scrape away layers of rock or metal.

n. the act of cutting or scraping material from a surface, typically using a tool with a blade or a wire. In mining, it refers to the removal of overburden or the extraction of minerals through mechanical scraping.

Examples

“The shearing of the rock face began at dawn.”

“Advanced shearing techniques allow miners to remove layers of soil without damaging the underlying mineral deposits.”

“The structural integrity of the cliff was compromised by the shearing forces exerted during the earthquake, leading to a sudden and catastrophic collapse of the upper strata.”

Examples

simple

“The shearing of the rock face began at dawn.”

contextual

“Advanced shearing techniques allow miners to remove layers of soil without damaging the underlying mineral deposits.”

complex

“The structural integrity of the cliff was compromised by the shearing forces exerted during the earthquake, leading to a sudden and catastrophic collapse of the upper strata.”

Real-World Examples

“Mowing or shearing off blooms before they set seed halts the next generation.”
The Conversation · 10 Sept 2026

Word family

shearVerbshearingNoun

Domain

Mining

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/shearing

English Reference