projection

noun

pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
a
: a systematic presentation of intersecting coordinate lines on a flat surface upon which features from a curved surface (as of the earth or the celestial sphere) may be mapped
an equal-area map projection
b
: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object upon a plane or curved surface or a line by projecting its points
also : a graph or figure so formed
2
: a transforming change
3
: the act of throwing or thrusting forward
4
: the forming of a plan : scheming
5
a(1)
: a jutting out
(2)
: a part that juts out
b
: a view of a building or architectural element
6
a
: the act of perceiving a mental object as spatially and sensibly objective
also : something so perceived
b
: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects
especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
7
: the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen
8
a
: the act of projecting especially to an audience
b
: control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility
9
: an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend
projectional
prə-ˈjek-shnəl How to pronounce projection (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Did you know?

Projection has various meanings, but what they all have in common is that something is sent out or forward. A movie is projected onto a screen; a skilled actress projects her voice out into a large theater without seeming to shout; and something sticking out from a wall can be called a projection. But the meaning we focus on here is the one used by businesses and governments. Most projections of this kind are estimates of a company's sales or profits--or of the finances of a town, state, or country--sometime in the future.

Choose the Right Synonym for projection

projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge mean an extension beyond the normal line or surface.

projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

Examples of projection in a Sentence

He gave a projection of future expenses. projections on the rock wall
Recent Examples on the Web UnitedHealth had no projection for when the problems would be fully resolved and operations would return to normal. Democrat-Gazette Staff and Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2024 Other perks include an upstairs media room with a giant projection screen and blackout shades. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 That experience is not reflected in whatever the weekend projection is. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Since then, Lee’s quarterly revenue projections since then have been less dire. Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 What looks like an entire row of movie seats ripped from an AMC theater sits in front of a projection screen, where people enjoy major games like the Super Bowl. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 With cosmic light projections dancing against the church’s 75-foot-high backdrop and the music encircling the packed house in quadrophonic sound, Ciani led attendees on an otherworldly journey. Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 3 Mar. 2024 Pinhole Projection The video then describes and explains some safe ways to use the pinhole projection method to safely view the eclipse indirectly. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The city's authority to issue $500 million worth of bonds will not change based on budget projections because voters gave the permission in November 2023. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of projection was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near projection

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
: a method of showing a curved surface (as the earth) on a flat one (as a map)
2
: the act of throwing or shooting forward
3
: something that sticks out
4
: the act or process of projecting something on a surface (as by motion pictures or slides)
5
: an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now

Medical Definition

projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
a
: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object or a section of such an object upon a plane or curved surface
b
: a diagram or figure formed by projection
especially : view
2
a
: the act of referring a mental image constructed by the brain from bits of data collected by the sense organs to the actual source of stimulation outside the body
b
: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects
especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
3
: the functional correspondence and connection of parts of the cerebral cortex with other parts of the organism
the projection of the retina upon the visual area

More from Merriam-Webster on projection

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