prism

noun

ˈpri-zəm 

1

: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms

2

a

: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light

b

: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster

3

: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis

especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis

4

: a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it

Examples of prism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Set on the eve of the German invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands, the drama explores the situation for Belgian Jews, torn between staying in their homeland amid or fleeing for an unknown destiny, through the prism of a love story and the microcosm of the broadcast radio world. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2026

This is predicated on the bedrock principle that boards of directors are entrusted to oversee management of companies and are best equipped to decide how to balance company objectives, not single-purpose organizations who see everything through a narrow, black or white decision-making prism. —Robert Profusek, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026

Viewed through this prism, keeping both Paredes and Walker on the roster makes sense, but this is a fine line for Espada to toe. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

The backstory Faena New York occupies the East Tower of One High Line—a sculptural work by Bjarke Ingels Group whose twisting geometric design catches sunlight like a prism. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism

Kids Definition

prism

noun

ˈpriz-əm 

1

: a polyhedron with two opposite ends that are parallel polygons and faces that are each parallelograms

2

: a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors

Medical Definition

prism

noun

ˈpriz-əm 

1

: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms

2

: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light

3

: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis

especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis