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

The insurrection drew immediate and obvious parallels to the United States, which, during much of the past decade, has lurched alongside Brazil through a strange hall of mirrors. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Antique mirrors, walls adorned with refined stucco work, and flooring made using traditional Venetian Seminato, an ancient technique involving marble inlays and a polished surface, are some of the key elements of the boutique. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

Growing pains are expected with a new defensive coordinator, but with stats mirroring last season's defensive deficiencies, many eyes are on second-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. — Briana Aldridge, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The guise of a youthful flush In those early episodes, Cathy’s makeup had to mirror her hair’s equally nonthreatening appearance, so a fresh, skin-first look was important. — Katie Gunderman, Allure, 21 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