transform

verb trans·form \ tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: transform in a Sentence

Definition of transform

transformed; transforming; transforms

transitive verb

1 a : to change in composition or structure

b : to change the outward form or appearance of

c : to change in character or condition : convert

2 : to subject to mathematical transformation

3 : to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

intransitive verb

: to become transformed : change

—

transformable

play \tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

—

transformative

play \tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\ adjective

See transform defined for English-language learners

See transform defined for kids

Examples of transform in a Sentence

A little creativity can transform an ordinary meal into a special event.
The old factory has been transformed into an art gallery.

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

There was an emotional depth to Allen’s playing that transformed blues lines into poetry.

— bill beuttler, BostonGlobe.com, "Passion and poetry from saxophonist JD Allen," 3 June 2018
Flooding is hardly new for historic Ellicott City, a onetime home to mill workers that transformed into a tourist hub known for its restaurants, antique shops and nightlife.

— Washington Post, "After pair of 1-in-1000 year floods, a town seeks safeguards," 30 May 2018
This is the upgrade that will transform your stock Forerunner into a capable off-road vehicle.

— graham averill, Outside Online, "The Gear Pacific Overlander Uses to Build Badass Trucks," 29 May 2018
Having these kids has transformed him from a very miserable person into a fairly miserable person.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "Hugh Grant Wed Longtime Girlfriend Anna Eberstein in London," 26 May 2018
At Marcus Theatre's The Ridge Cinema in New Berlin and The Majestic Cinema in the town of Brookfield, movie-goers are reclining into a new era, the latest sequel in a string of innovations that has transformed movie houses.

— jim riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Four big reasons why today's experience is so much better in Marcus Theatre's local cinemas than years ago," 23 May 2018
By then, however, suburbanization had transformed the country.

— stephen metcalf, The New Yorker, "How Superheroes Made Movie Stars Expendable," 19 May 2018
Designed by a husband-wife duo, the Drake RV has two lofts, a flex room that can transform into a bedroom or office, a kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "All-black tiny house features stylish airy interior," 17 May 2018
Under Shanahan’s tutelage, Fox has transformed into a lethal scoring threat.

— wells dusenbury, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Western's Michael Fox breaks Florida's single season lacrosse goal record," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transform.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of transform

Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

transform Synonyms

Synonyms

convert, make over, metamorphose, transfigure, transmute;

Related Words

adjust, alter, modify, recast;

redefine, redesign, redo, reengineer, refashion, regenerate, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary;

deform, disfigure, distort, mutate, transmogrify;

displace, replace, substitute, supplant;

Synonym Discussion of transform

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing. transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

- transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

- awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

- attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

- converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

- a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

- joy transfigured her face

transform

noun trans·form \ ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm \

Definition of transform

1 : a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation

2 : transformation 3a(1)

3 : a linguistic structure (such as a sentence) produced by means of a transformation

"the duckling is killed by the farmer" is a transform of "the farmer kills the duckling"

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

Whey left from making cheese transforms into sauce for potatoes, while bread crusts become miso soup, McMaster said.

— umberto bacchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "British chefs cook up food waste solutions," 22 May 2018
Gradually their relationship transforms, but the two are still held back by their social positions.

— jordan mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Sir': Film Review | Cannes 2018," 14 May 2018
That recent investigation, described by law-enforcement officials familiar with the case, is part of an ICE victim identification program in northern Virginia that is helping transform child pornography investigations.

— del quentin wilber, WSJ, "How Child-Porn Investigators Are Shifting Focus to Rescuing Victims," 3 May 2018
Then the 15 to 50 volunteers of all ages — sometimes whole groups of tourists — who turn out each Thursday morning transform bins of eggplants, tomatoes and potatoes, along with crates of chicken and challahs, into baskets for the families.

— deborah fineblum, Jewish Journal, "Feeding body and soul: Terror victims get heaping servings of food (and hope)," 1 May 2018
The Fourier transform—or other, similar transformations—is key to image processing.

— chris lee, Ars Technica, "A few Wi-Fi transmitters and your house becomes a coprocessor," 30 Apr. 2018
Cowin said that what has evolved over the years is an effective, organized and diverse block club made up of neighbors who have seen the street transform before their eyes.

— aleanna siacon, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit's Virginia Park Historic District gets house-by-house makeover," 14 Apr. 2018
When international travel is integral to your career, the art of travel beauty transforms into something of a science.

— calin van paris, Vogue, "Bella Hadid Puts an All-American Twist on the Street Style Bob in Paris," 27 Mar. 2018
When performed on an X3S Bench, the classic exercise transforms entirely, from a sit-up to a stand-up.

— zachary lewis, cleveland.com, "New X3S Bench triples the intensity of the classic sit-up: Stretching Out," 21 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of transform

1853

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

TRANSFORM Defined for English Language Learners

transform

verb

Definition of transform for English Language Learners

: to change (something) completely and usually in a good way

TRANSFORM Defined for Kids

transform

verb trans·form \ trans-ˈfȯrm \

Definition of transform for Students

transformed; transforming

: to change completely

The pumpkin had been transformed into a gleaming coach …
—Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted

Medical Dictionary

transform

transitive verb trans·form \ tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm \

medical Definition of transform

: to cause to change: as

a : to change (a current) in potential (as from high voltage to low) or in type (as from alternating to direct)

b : to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

intransitive verb

: to become transformed

Learn More about transform

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transform

Definition of transform

transformable

transformative

Examples of transform in a Sentence

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

Origin and Etymology of transform

transform Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of transform

transform

Definition of transform

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

First Known Use of transform

TRANSFORM Defined for English Language Learners

transform

Definition of transform for English Language Learners

TRANSFORM Defined for Kids

transform

Definition of transform for Students

Medical Dictionary

transform

medical Definition of transform

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