reflection

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 back

b : a reflected part : fold

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

9a : 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

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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

Their 8-2 win – and the two that came before it – felt more like a reflection on the Blue Jays than an indication of how well the Diamondbacks are playing. — Nick Piecoro, azcentral, "Diamondbacks sweep Blue Jays, gear up for first-place Phillies," 9 June 2019 In addition, the students were required to provide a reflection on the meaning behind the piece and the professional artist who inspired it. — Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Greendale High School officials take down a student's art piece on racism, saying it could create a disruption," 7 June 2019 Every piece contains a story, a reflection on costume history, and a nod to the surreal. — Vogue, "19 FIT, Pratt, and Parsons 2019 Graduates on Their Collections and the Future of Fashion," 22 May 2019 Our second edition of the Weekend Read focuses on the remaining 16 World Cup teams, one writer's reflection on reporting Tyler Hilinski's story and more. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "Weekend Read: A Case for All 16 Teams to Win the World Cup, Reflecting on Tyler Hilinski and More," 29 June 2018 This leads him to some provocative reflections on race. — Jedediah Purdy, The New Republic, "The Remaking of Class," 27 June 2018 The question now is whether this is the start of a larger reflection on the role technology plays not just in government work but in all aspects of life. — Emily Dreyfuss, WIRED, "Trump Stokes Outrage in Silicon Valley—But It's Selective," 20 June 2018 That moment led to some reflection on how my former peers in the Boston sports media have been equally amazing and supportive during this time. — Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, "A letter of appreciation from John Martin, a NESN cameraman, to Boston sports media," 11 June 2018 So have those looking for a moody but credible reflection on decades of regrets. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Ray Meets Helen': Film Review," 5 May 2018

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.