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
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
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
Often, what’s labeled as fatigue is a reflection of weak foundations—initiatives built around external incentives rather than internal conviction.
—
Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
But looking back, Jessica Tang, who was the union president at the time and is now president of the Massachusetts’ American Federation of Teachers chapter, said the vote was a reflection of overall frustration and Cassellius became the focal point.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
The club said in an email to members that the closure is a reflection of long-term post-pandemic changes and social patterns.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Barclays raised the question if Berkshire’s decision to exit the board was a reflection of a difference of opinion regarding strategic direction.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
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Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
But looking back, Jessica Tang, who was the union president at the time and is now president of the Massachusetts’ American Federation of Teachers chapter, said the vote was a reflection of overall frustration and Cassellius became the focal point.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
The club said in an email to members that the closure is a reflection of long-term post-pandemic changes and social patterns.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Barclays raised the question if Berkshire’s decision to exit the board was a reflection of a difference of opinion regarding strategic direction.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflection
Cite this Entry
“Reflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflection. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
variants
also British reflexion
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
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