mirror

1 of 2

noun

mir·​ror ˈmir-ər 

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 opinion …

—C. G. Bowers

b

: an exemplary model

The building is a mirror of functionality.

mirrored

ˈmir-ərd 

ˈmi-rərd, 

ˈmir-əd, 

ˈmi-rəd

adjective

mirrorlike

ˈmir-ər-ˌlīk 

ˈmi-rər-

adjective

mirror

2 of 2

verb

mirrored; mirroring; mirrors

transitive verb

1

: to reflect in or as if in a mirror

The clouds were mirrored in the lake.

2

: resemble

His mood mirrored the gloomy weather.

Synonyms of mirror

Noun

• glass

Verb

• reflect

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

Her elegant primary bedroom boasted a dressing area that was the picture of ’40s-movie-star luxury, complete with plush rugs, dramatic arches, and, of course, plenty of mirrors. — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026

This new study reveals that experimental niobium-titanium alloys can defy this rule at a freezing -253°C (20 kelvin) by spontaneously shifting their atomic structure to form mirror-image twins and generate fresh defects. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

This framing of prenup-as-financial-premarital-therapy is mirrored in how young couples speak about the process itself, often directly borrowing from the lexicon of therapy. — Grace Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

This series has mirrored the 2004 NBA Finals, when the Detroit Pistons dismantled the Shaq-and-Kobe Lakers through relentless collective force. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing mirror

• in one's rearview mirror
• in the rearview mirror
• magnetic mirror
• mirror image
• one-way mirror
• rearview mirror
• side-view mirror
• two-way mirror
• wing mirror

Rhymes for mirror

• clearer
• dearer
• hearer
• nearer
• shearer

Kids Definition

mirror

1 of 2 noun

mir·​ror ˈmir-ər 

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 

: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection