reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed

2

capitalized : a 16th century religious movement marked ultimately by rejection or modification of some Roman Catholic doctrine and practice and establishment of the Protestant churches

reformational

ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of reformation in a Sentence

the reformation of our justice system

Recent Examples on the Web

Following sporadic touring upon their most recent reformation, The Jesus Lizard increased their live appearances last year, with the group having already completed tours of the U.S., U.K. and Europe in 2025. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025

The musicians rose to fame throughout the 1970s after releasing several successful albums together, but Osbourne's dismissal from the group in 1979 led to various reformations in the years to come. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 23 July 2025

Comer secured $750,000 in funding for the Franklin County Fiscal Court for sewage treatment reformation in the Fiscal Year 2024 House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025

Only 40 years later, the General Assembly gets around to creating the house of reformation and instruction for Black children in the juvenile justice system. —Michel Martin, NPR, 22 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reformation

• self-reformation

Rhymes for reformation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌref-ər-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed

2

capitalized : a 16th century series of religious actions which led to establishment of the Protestant churches

reformational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or an instance of reforming

specifically : the equitable remedy of reforming a writing (as a deed or contract) and enforcing it as reformed

Note: Reformation is allowed primarily to correct mistakes such as typographical errors or incorrectly chosen words. Occasionally reformation is permitted in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. Clear and convincing evidence of the mistake and of the intended agreement is usually required; sometimes parol evidence is sufficient to establish the agreement. This remedy is not applicable to wills.