reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed

2

Reformation : a 16th century religious movement marked ultimately by rejection or modification of some Roman Catholic doctrine and practice and establishment of the Protestant churches

reformational

ˌre-fər-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of reformation in a Sentence

the reformation of our justice system

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, new concepts that are opening soon include Skims at 405 Nichols Road, Reformation at 429 Nichols Road, and Vertice Italian at 616 Ward Parkway. — Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

In what counts as lightning fast for the fashion industry, Reformation gets 50 percent of its product in 60 days or less, with recuts coming in anywhere from 15 days to 45 days. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

But this begs the parallel question of what the current museum architecture arises from and reflects, and why the oceanic and the oligarchic logics of the museum’s reformation now travel together here. — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Reformation Here’s the tea, Reformation doesn’t have a permanent sale section. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reformation

• self-reformation

Rhymes for reformation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌref-ər-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed

2

capitalized : a 16th century series of religious actions which led to establishment of the Protestant churches

reformational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or an instance of reforming

specifically : the equitable remedy of reforming a writing (as a deed or contract) and enforcing it as reformed

Note: Reformation is allowed primarily to correct mistakes such as typographical errors or incorrectly chosen words. Occasionally reformation is permitted in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. Clear and convincing evidence of the mistake and of the intended agreement is usually required; sometimes parol evidence is sufficient to establish the agreement. This remedy is not applicable to wills.