reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
ri-ˈflek-shən 
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
4
: something produced by reflecting: such as
a
: an image given back by a reflecting surface
b
: an effect produced by an influence
the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society
5
: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach
a reflection on his character
6
: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7
: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8
obsolete
: turning back : return
9
a
: a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane
b
: a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
Examples of reflection in a Sentence
She was looking at her reflection in the mirror.
He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.
Recent Examples on the Web
Boards must prioritize their own development through continuous learning and reflection, aligning their composition and contributions with modern organizational needs.
—
Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
But the reflection on the water from the burning debris was quite pretty!
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
But, like dancehall in Jamaica, popular music there has only grown more eerie, a reflection of the widening wealth gap, increased political corruption, and inflamed gang culture that is happening all over the world.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2025
The series is less effectively empathetic toward the victim or toward the plight of adolescent girls — though perhaps that’s a reflection of societal indifference.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
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Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
But the reflection on the water from the burning debris was quite pretty!
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
But, like dancehall in Jamaica, popular music there has only grown more eerie, a reflection of the widening wealth gap, increased political corruption, and inflamed gang culture that is happening all over the world.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2025
The series is less effectively empathetic toward the victim or toward the plight of adolescent girls — though perhaps that’s a reflection of societal indifference.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
Cite this Entry
“Reflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflection. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
ri-ˈflek-shən
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
: an image produced by or as if by a mirror
4
: something that brings blame or disgrace
a reflection on my honesty
5
: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
6
: careful thought
much reflection on the problem
Medical Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
variants
also British reflexion
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a
: the action of bending or folding back
b
: a reflected part or a fold
the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum
4
: something produced by reflecting
especially
: an image given back by a reflecting surface
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