projection

noun

pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən 

1

a

: 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

b

: 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

2

: a transforming change

3

: the act of throwing or thrusting forward

4

: the forming of a plan : scheming

5

a(1)

: a jutting out

(2)

: a part that juts out

b

: a view of a building or architectural element

6

a

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

also : something so perceived

b

: 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

7

: the display of images or video on a screen

especially : the projecting of film on a movie screen

8

a

: the act of projecting especially to an audience

b

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

9

: an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend

projectional

prə-ˈjek-sh(ə-)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.

Synonyms of projection

• dome
• section
• portion
• protrusion
• convexity
• protuberance
• overhang
• piece
• bulge
• expansion
• swell

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

Examples of projection in a Sentence

He gave a projection of future expenses.

projections on the rock wall

Recent Examples on the Web

Initial projections called for 2 to 4 inches of snow covering the region, leading to several schools and colleges closing or changing their schedules for the day. —Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025

According to tax projections, Gillon would be estimated to pay about $430 million in property taxes over the next 30 years without any exemptions. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025

Such a mechanism could generate between $145 million and $329 million over 50 years, according to early projections from the city. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025

While that projection is lower than previous estimates, Mount Vernon officials were nonetheless urging residents in the floodplain to evacuate. —CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing projection

• astral projection
• azimuthal equidistant projection
• Mercator projection
• orthographic projection
• polyconic projection
• projection booth
• Robinson projection
• sinusoidal projection

Rhymes for projection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

Kids Definition

projection

noun

pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən 

1

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

2

: the act of throwing or shooting forward

3

: something that sticks out

4

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

5

: 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 

1

a

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

b

: a diagram or figure formed by projection

especially : view

2

a

: 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

b

: 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

3

: 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