mirror

1 of 2

noun

mir·​ror ˈmir-ər How to pronounce mirror (audio)
ˈmi-rər
1
: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection
She looked at herself in the mirror.
2
a
: something that gives a true representation
the press as a mirror of public opinionC. G. Bowers
b
: an exemplary model
She is the mirror of feminine beauty.
mirrored
ˈmir-ərd How to pronounce mirror (audio)
ˈmi-rərd
ˈmir-əd
ˈmi-rəd
adjective
mirrorlike
ˈmir-ər-ˌlīk How to pronounce mirror (audio)
ˈmi-rər-
adjective

mirror

2 of 2

verb

mirrored; mirroring; mirrors

transitive verb

1
: to reflect in or as if in a mirror
2

Examples of mirror in a Sentence

Noun breaking a mirror is supposed to bring seven years of bad luck Verb The building was mirrored in the lake. the still waters of the pond mirroring the cloudless sky above
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Once tummy time starts, baby play mats and mirrors are great fun. Maya Polton, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 Seeking the perfect pour, more U.S. beer drinkers are embracing foam What’s flowing through tap lines mirrors what’s happening in alcohol broadly. Kate Bernot, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 The assistant coaches need to look in the mirror, and all the players do, too. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 More is more: Maximalism is making interior design fun again Lagerfeld designed the apartment's bathroom himself, focused on the balance of mirror and grey marble. Suyin Haynes, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 The interior is a series of contrasts: forest green walls under petal pink curtains; a squiggly mirror on an oriental rug. Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024 Snowstorm from Mammoth to Tahoe triggers blizzard alert After such a nice, sunny 70-degree day in Southern California, the scene in the north is about to become a mirror opposite: A rare and treacherous blizzard is expected to wallop the Sierra Nevada. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Coach, a handbag and accessory brand, has experimented with smart mirror technology. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 On Wednesday, the Love Again actress, 41, shared a mirror selfie on her Instagram Story of herself wearing a dark gray Joah Brown sports bra and shorts set. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024
Verb
The line highlights the importance of using clean ingredients, which mirrors Rae’s work in writing and TV: natural, authentic, and real. Náosha Gregg, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 In addition, wrap-around masks, geometric constructions, eye-catching hues, and mirrored lenses evoke the thrill of racing. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 The Assembly reported that Hill increased her salary by an amount that mirrored the PPP loan in 2021 and that the loans had been forgiven. James Powel, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 The protests might be inside stadiums, but the frustration, the dislocation and the simmering resentment driving them mirror a feeling that exists outside, too. Rory Smith, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 The five-page complaints, which mirror each other, note that McCarthy did not provide to the FEC or The Times a more detailed explanation of the Terranea outlays, including the number of such retreats. Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Some simple active listening gestures can include mirroring the other's body language and tone of voice, using the inflection of the voice to convey sympathy, and leaning forward slightly or nodding occasionally. 5. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The Shelby County school district will also have an NTI day, with instruction times mirroring that of a normal school day. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 His photography mirrored this ardent love of the city. Michael Chin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mirror.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mirour "object with a reflective surface, reflection, model of conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French mirur, mireour, from mirer "to look at" (going back to Latin mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at") + -ur, -eour -or entry 1 — more at admire

Verb

derivative of mirror entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mirror was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near mirror

Cite this Entry

“Mirror.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mirror. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mirror

1 of 2 noun
mir·​ror ˈmir-ər How to pronounce mirror (audio)
1
: a smooth or polished surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection
2
: something that gives a true likeness or description

mirror

2 of 2 verb
1
: to reflect in or as if in a mirror
2
: resemble
her presentation mirrored that of her classmates

Medical Definition

mirror

noun
mir·​ror ˈmir-ər How to pronounce mirror (audio)
: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection

More from Merriam-Webster on mirror

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