projection

noun

pro·jec·tion prə-ˈjek-shən

: a systematic presentation of intersecting coordinate lines on a flat surface upon which features from a curved surface (as of the earth or the celestial sphere) may be mapped

an equal-area map projection

: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object upon a plane or curved surface or a line by projecting its points

also : a graph or figure so formed

: a transforming change

: the act of throwing or thrusting forward

: the forming of a plan : scheming

a(1)

: a jutting out

(2)

: a part that juts out

: a view of a building or architectural element

: the act of perceiving a mental object as spatially and sensibly objective

also : something so perceived

: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects

especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety

: the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen

: the act of projecting especially to an audience

: control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility

: an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend

projectional

prə-ˈjek-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Did you know?

Projection has various meanings, but what they all have in common is that something is sent out or forward. A movie is projected onto a screen; a skilled actress projects her voice out into a large theater without seeming to shout; and something sticking out from a wall can be called a projection. But the meaning we focus on here is the one used by businesses and governments. Most projections of this kind are estimates of a company's sales or profits--or of the finances of a town, state, or country--sometime in the future.

Choose the Right Synonym for projection

projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge mean an extension beyond the normal line or surface.

projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

Example Sentences

He gave a projection of future expenses. projections on the rock wall

Recent Examples on the Web According to projections in environmental review documents for the combination of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, carloads will increase by 41,014 on one rail segment between the Twin Cities and the bank opposite of La Crosse. —

Chloe Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2023 That rethinking begins with Blake McCarty’s ‘70s-style DayGlo color projections, which open the show with onscreen translations of some of the show’s religious verbiage — Redeemer, Savior, Christ — as a nod to the non-Bible-reading secular audience. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2023 Mobile’s population projections, without annexation, are expected to continue a decline. —

John Sharp | Jsharp@al.com, al, 9 May 2023 But current projections do not account for this newfound contribution from under-ice interactions with warming tides. —

Brandon Miller, CNN, 8 May 2023 The fast-approaching deadline, which previous projections placed far later in the summer or early fall, creates new urgency for President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to strike a deal. —

Ben Ritz, Forbes, 3 May 2023 However, the visual projections by Camilla Tassi, based on the arresting work of English painter and sculptor Mary Frank, effectively created a world apart from the mundane, perfect for the piece’s dreamlike narrative of archetypes. —

Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 1 May 2023 The most recent estimate: $9.7 billion, up 157% from the previous projection. —

Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2023 Music direction, Christopher Youstra; choreography, Shalyce Hemby; set, Daniel Ettinger; costumes, Moyenda Kulemeka; lighting, Aja M. Jackson; projections, Patrick W. Lord; sound, Matt Rowe. —

Peter Marks, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'projection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of projection was in 1551

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near projection

projectile vomiting

projection

projection booth

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/projection. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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Kids Definition

projection

noun

pro·jec·tion prə-ˈjek-shən

: a method of showing a curved surface (as the earth) on a flat one (as a map)

: the act of throwing or shooting forward

: something that sticks out

: the act or process of projecting something on a surface (as by motion pictures or slides)

: an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now

Medical Definition

projection

noun

pro·jec·tion prə-ˈjek-shən

: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object or a section of such an object upon a plane or curved surface

: a diagram or figure formed by projection

especially : view

: the act of referring a mental image constructed by the brain from bits of data collected by the sense organs to the actual source of stimulation outside the body

: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects

especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety

: the functional correspondence and connection of parts of the cerebral cortex with other parts of the organism

the projection of the retina upon the visual area