To save this word, you'll need to log in.
meta·mor·pho·sis | \ ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs 
\
\ plural metamorphoses\ ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-ˌsēz \
\Definition of metamorphosis
1a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means
the metamorphosis of humans into animals
b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances
The company has gone through a series of metamorphoses.
2 : a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (such as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching
the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of metamorphosis in a Sentence
We have watched her metamorphosis from a shy schoolgirl into a self-confident businesswoman.
a company that has gone through a series of metamorphoses
The government has undergone political metamorphosis since his election.
the metamorphosis of tadpoles into frogs
The class learned about how caterpillars undergo metamorphosis to become butterflies.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web Sultan Qaboos also leaves a country that has followed — but not entirely mimicked — the stunning metamorphoses across the gulf Arab states.
—
Washington Post, "Sultan Qaboos, who transformed Oman into a regional powerbroker, dies at 79," 11 Jan. 2020 Traversing some of the same landscape Rachel Cusk visits in her Outline trilogy, Levy writes about the metamorphoses of motherhood, divorce, the death of her mother.
—
Rachel Donadio, The Atlantic, "Deborah Levy’s Disorienting, Captivating Fiction," 11 Oct. 2019 The star is in the midst of a major metamorphosis (cue the Hilary Duff track), starting 2020 off right with a whole new era of Selena – which, of course, includes a killer haircut.
—
Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "Selena Gomez Unveils Retro Shag Haircut in New "Rare" Music Video," 10 Jan. 2020 Then there’s the recent metamorphosis in his game that has been nothing short of striking and has made him more of an attractive Love alternative than ever before:
Basically overnight, Aldridge has blasted from the 1990s to the 2020s.
—
Mike Finger, ExpressNews.com, "LaMarcus Aldridge’s market value rising as San Antonio Spurs fight for playoff spot," 7 Jan. 2020 The film has its own metamorphosis of sorts too as the nature of even their relationship becomes amorphous and obscured when a farce about the two being married ends up becoming very real.
—
Jake Coyle And Lindsey Bahr, Houston Chronicle, "‘Tree of Life’ tops list of 10 best films of the decade," 26 Dec. 2019 From there, hair and makeup artisans completed the metamorphosis, including an extra degree of difficulty that involved replicating the broadcaster's thick on-air cosmetics.
—
Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, "How 'Bombshell's' Makeup and Hair Pros Transformed Charlize Theron Into Megyn Kelly," 25 Dec. 2019 But even beyond that, mall owner Brookfield Properties envisions a more ambitious metamorphosis, one that includes the development of a substantial number of homes.
—
Jason W. Lloren, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Briefing: A $2.5 billion housing remedy," 4 Nov. 2019 That trio of newcomers serve as the face of Florida’s metamorphosis, bringing an influx of talent to a largely re-tooled team.
—
Emily Caron, SI.com, "Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann Give Florida a Potent New Five-Star Duo," 6 Sep. 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metamorphosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for metamorphosis
metamorphosis
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of metamorphosis
: a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something
biology : a major change in the form or structure of some animals or insects that happens as the animal or insect becomes an adult
See the full definition for metamorphosis in the English Language Learners Dictionary
metamorphosis
nounmeta·mor·pho·sis | \ ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs \
\ plural metamorphoses\ -fə-ˌsēz \
Kids Definition of metamorphosis
1 : a great change in appearance or character
2 : the process of great and usually rather sudden change in the form and habits of some animals during transformation from an immature stage (as a caterpillar) to an adult stage (as a butterfly)
metamorphosis
nounmeta·mor·pho·sis | \ ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs \
\ plural metamorphoses\ -ˌsēz \
\Medical Definition of metamorphosis
1 : change of physical form, structure, or substance
2 : a marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on metamorphosis
What made you want to look up metamorphosis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
- The magician
______moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- More Confusing Words—Quiz
How many of these commonly confused words do you know?
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share metamorphosis
Time Traveler for metamorphosis
The first known use of metamorphosis was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century