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

Your 12th House of Subtlety wakes as the Moon settles into Aries, inviting gentle reflection by writing a private note to capture feelings before obligations crowd your day. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026

The retreat’s quiet atmosphere and conscientious design reflect their belief in the restorative powers of simplicity, reflection, and connection with nature. —Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026

Observed by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and features a holy period of fasting, prayer and reflection. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2026

After the war, in sober reflection, the United States helped lead a global effort to try to tame the savagery of conflict and, in particular, to shield civilians. —Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 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