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

a

: 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

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

reflectional

ri-ˈflek-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of reflection

• remark
• comment
• note

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 color created the illusion of greater depth and a more profound reflection, according to the nonprofit, which cited a National Park Service Cultural Landscape Report published in August 1999. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 May 2026

Shorten decision cycles but lengthen reflection before major bets. —Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026

The Steve Jobs Archive — founded by his widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, in 2022 — later used the quote as the title of a free 2023 digital book collecting Jobs’ speeches, letters and reflections. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026

The performance of a team that has no playoff series wins during Weltman’s tenure is more a reflection of personnel decisions rather than coaching. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reflection

• angle of reflection
• no reflection on
• on/upon reflection
• self-reflection

Rhymes for reflection

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

Kids 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

reflectional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

reflection

noun

re·​flec·​tion

variants also British reflexion

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

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