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.
Recanati Reserve Petite Sirah is certified Kosher and comes to the US market in time for Passover and at an excellent price because of the US dollar to Israel shekel exchange rate. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2025 Mostly, though, Agnes is Dune: Part Two because of the space nuns. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 The team captain missed six regular-season games because of injury this year and turns 33 in May. Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 The danger felt all the more real because of the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires that have been ravaging other parts of the county. Corina Knoll, New York Times, 23 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near because of

Cite this Entry

“Because of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/because%20of. Accessed 27 Jan. 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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