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
Even the most well-meaning of people have their good intentions curdle into cruelty when reflected through the prism of corporate life.
—
Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
The tent roof lifts directly up, and floor extension panels on either side automatically fold out to expand the sleeping area and give the tent a trapezoidal prism shape in place of the common cube.
—New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
Owned by the University of Arkansas, the 210-acre botanical paradise is home to landscaped grounds, outdoor sculptures, and the breathtaking Anthony Chapel (a timber-and-glass structure that rises among the trees and filters sunlight like a prism).
—Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Whereas China views the Dalai Lama’s succession question through the cold lens of realpolitik and statecraft, Tibetans see it through the cosmic prism of devotion and spiritual meaning.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
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.
Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
The tent roof lifts directly up, and floor extension panels on either side automatically fold out to expand the sleeping area and give the tent a trapezoidal prism shape in place of the common cube.
—New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
Owned by the University of Arkansas, the 210-acre botanical paradise is home to landscaped grounds, outdoor sculptures, and the breathtaking Anthony Chapel (a timber-and-glass structure that rises among the trees and filters sunlight like a prism).
—Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Whereas China views the Dalai Lama’s succession question through the cold lens of realpolitik and statecraft, Tibetans see it through the cosmic prism of devotion and spiritual meaning.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prism
noun1
: 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
noun1
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share