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-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• comment
• note
• remark

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

Cultures that reward speed over depth and reactivity over reflection must evolve. —Alejandro Bravo, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

There is also a chapel on the grounds for meditation, prayer and reflection. —Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025

With King in particular, Cannon sees a reflection of her own journey, having been waived and signed to hardship contracts multiple times throughout her career. —Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025

The late game heroics are a reflection of their experience, coaching, talent and preparation. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025

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