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

Walker’s rise to national prominence and influence in philanthropy during his run atop of the Ford Foundation mirrors Williams’ ascent in his field. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Selena Gomez posed in a mirror selfie on the set of Only Murders in the Building. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Verb

European sides will still have to comply with UEFA’s more stringent rules, which broadly mirror both SCR’s spending cap and PSR’s three-year rolling assessment period, but the faster implementation of sanctions makes the regulations seem fairer. — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

The ruling follows a broader shift toward rethinking the purpose of cash bail, mirroring larger criminal justice reforms in the state over the past decade or more. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 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