reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
ri-ˈflek-shən 
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
4
: something produced by reflecting: such as
a
: an image given back by a reflecting surface
b
: an effect produced by an influence
the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society
5
: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach
a reflection on his character
6
: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7
: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8
obsolete
: turning back : return
9
a
: a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane
b
: a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
Examples of reflection in a Sentence
She was looking at her reflection in the mirror.
He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Capricorn stellium starting December 21st pulls your energy toward reflection, endings, and recalibration.
—
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 28 Nov. 2025
Diabetes, which impacts shifts in your blood sugar before or shortly after eating, could be a reflection of a dramatic change in your blood glucose levels.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2025
O’Farrell’s story is based upon a theory that the play Hamlet is a reflection of that grief—a secret poured into maybe the most famous dramatic work ever written.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2025
Her reflections come at a time when research continues to spotlight the strain many Americans face in affording medical treatment.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
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Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 28 Nov. 2025
Diabetes, which impacts shifts in your blood sugar before or shortly after eating, could be a reflection of a dramatic change in your blood glucose levels.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2025
O’Farrell’s story is based upon a theory that the play Hamlet is a reflection of that grief—a secret poured into maybe the most famous dramatic work ever written.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2025
Her reflections come at a time when research continues to spotlight the strain many Americans face in affording medical treatment.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
Cite this Entry
“Reflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflection. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
ri-ˈflek-shən
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
: an image produced by or as if by a mirror
4
: something that brings blame or disgrace
a reflection on my honesty
5
: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
6
: careful thought
much reflection on the problem
Medical Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
variants
also British reflexion
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a
: the action of bending or folding back
b
: a reflected part or a fold
the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum
4
: something produced by reflecting
especially
: an image given back by a reflecting surface
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