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
For some, every consumption choice is a reflection of their values.
—
Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Sunday, Nantz will front a piece on Bernhard Langer, along with a reflection of Spieth’s 2015 Masters victory hosted by Immelman.
—Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This is not a reflection of ineffective teaching, but of an evaluation framework that penalizes educators for the systemic challenges their students face.
—Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
So when the cameras cut and the confessions are aired, we’re left with more than just drama—we’re left with a reflection.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
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Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Sunday, Nantz will front a piece on Bernhard Langer, along with a reflection of Spieth’s 2015 Masters victory hosted by Immelman.
—Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This is not a reflection of ineffective teaching, but of an evaluation framework that penalizes educators for the systemic challenges their students face.
—Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
So when the cameras cut and the confessions are aired, we’re left with more than just drama—we’re left with a reflection.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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