reflection

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noun re·flec·tion \ri-ˈflek-shən\

Definition of reflection

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
3a : the action of bending or folding backb : a reflected part : fold
4 : something produced by reflecting: such asa : an image given back by a reflecting surfaceb : 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
9a : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or planeb : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system

reflectional

play \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

See reflection defined for English-language learners

See reflection defined for kids

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 of reflection from the Web

The music, performed on period instruments, played a supporting role with contemplative pieces incorporated into the presentation, as more of a pause for reflection in response to the philosophies and images.

— by libby hanssen, kansascity, "Kansas City Baroque Consortium explores journeys of faith and inspiration," 15 July 2017
Mrs May introduced Matthew Taylor’s report on the future of work with some reflections about her first year in office.

— The Economist, "BagehotNobody is really in charge of Britain," 13 July 2017
His response after months of reflection was absurd.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville basketball | Rick Pitino urges boosters to keep 'spirits high' after NCAA ruling," 21 June 2017
Each of the rooms and suites is a beautiful reflection of the vivacious yet relaxed style of Cuban design.

— sara tardiff, ELLE Decor, "Havana Welcomes Its First Five-Star Hotel," 20 June 2017
But people of all sizes and shapes can be beautiful, and there is no size immune to bullies, which is why a bully's opinion is more of a reflection on them than on you.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Lucy Hale Body-Shamed Herself on Instagram," 19 June 2017
The tragic shooting of Charleena Lyles ought to be a moment of reflection on the question of whether police reform is moving quickly and thoroughly enough in Seattle and elsewhere.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "A New Police Shooting in Seattle Is a Test for Trump’s War on Criminal-Justice Reform," 19 June 2017
The move is not a reflection of our feelings about doing business in Fort Worth, Sara Ortwein, XTO Energy president The decision to move was made after an extensive study reviewing all aspects of the business, the company said in a statement.

— max b. baker, star-telegram.com, "XTO Energy to move 1,600 jobs to ExxonMobil campus near Houston," 16 June 2017
Many astronomers fear the additional mirror will degrade sensitivity, or the ability to see faint objects, because photons are lost with each reflection.

— dennis normile, Science | AAAS, "Spat threatens China’s plans to build world’s largest telescope," 14 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of reflection

Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere

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First Known Use: 14th century

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REFLECTION Defined for English Language Learners

reflection

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noun

Definition of reflection for English Language Learners

: an image that is seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface
: something that shows the effect, existence, or character of something else
: something that causes people to disapprove of a person or thing

REFLECTION Defined for Kids

reflection

play

noun re·flec·tion \ri-ˈflek-shən\

Definition of reflection for Students

1 : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2 : an image produced by or as if by a mirror
3 : something that brings blame or disgrace It's a reflection on my honesty.
4 : careful thought After much reflection, I agreed.
5 : an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought

Medical Dictionary

reflection

noun re·flec·tion

variants: also British

reflexion

\ri-ˈflek-shən\play

Medical Definition of reflection

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
3a: the action of bending or folding backb: 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