correction

noun

cor·​rec·​tion kə-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce correction (audio)
1
: the action or an instance of correcting: such as
c
: a bringing into conformity with a standard
d
: neutralization, counteraction
correction of acidity
2
: a decline in market price or business activity following and counteracting a rise
3
a
: something substituted in place of what is wrong
marking corrections on the students' papers
b
: a quantity applied by way of correcting (as for adjustment of an instrument)
4
: the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through a program involving penal custody, parole, and probation
also : the administration of such treatment as a matter of public policy
usually used in plural
correctional
kə-ˈrek-shnəl How to pronounce correction (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of correction in a Sentence

The teacher marked corrections on his students' tests. Please make corrections before handing in your compositions. the correction of your mistakes people in need of vision correction
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The defense’s inability to slow Patrick Mahomes and company even a little was equally concerning and will deserve its own correction session at Halas Hall as the regular season closes in. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 View stock market corrections and crashes as buying opportunities. Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025 What the parole board may consider While the Menendez brothers’ parole case may benefit from the support of some corrections officials and a strong track record of rehabilitative work, the board will also review their disciplinary records and personal development while incarcerated. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 The Street is critical of Cornell for not initiating enough changes and corrections to improve Target’s business, which has been faltering for several years. David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for correction

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of correction was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Correction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correction. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

correction

noun
cor·​rec·​tion kə-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce correction (audio)
1
: the action or an instance of correcting
2
: a change that makes something right
3
: punishment intended to correct faults of character or behavior
correctional
-shnəl How to pronounce correction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

correction

noun
cor·​rec·​tion kə-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce correction (audio)
: the action or an instance of correcting or neutralizing a harmful or undesirable condition
correction of acidity
correction of visual defects with glasses

Legal Definition

correction

noun
cor·​rec·​tion
1
: a decline in market price or business activity following and counteracting a rise
2
: the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through a program involving penal custody, parole, and probation
often used in pl.
correctional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on correction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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