transform

verb trans·form \ tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm \

|Updated on: 19 Jul 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

Viewers first encountered Dracula’s complicated family in 2012's Hotel Transylvania, which creator Todd Durham has since transformed into a lucrative animated franchise starring Adam Sandler and Selena Gomez.

— michael waters, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Hotel Transylvania 3': Meet the Voices Behind Each Animated Character," 13 July 2018
And the portrait of Houston’s addiction plays the same role, transforming a scene of personal strife into a package to be distributed out on the streets.

— josie duffy rice, The Atlantic, "The Gospel According to Pusha T," 12 July 2018
While a sign outside the Tham Luang Cave warns that monsoon downpours can transform internal passageways into powerful rivers within a few hours, the boys had explored its caverns before.

— hannah beech, The Seattle Times, "For some Thai soccer-team members, cave ordeal was only their latest test," 10 July 2018
While a sign outside the Tham Luang Cave warns that monsoon downpours can transform internal passageways into powerful rivers within a few hours, the boys had explored its caverns before.

— hannah beech, New York Times, "Stateless and Poor, Some Boys in Thai Cave Had Already Beaten Long Odds," 10 July 2018
The basketball arenas at UNLV will play host to the on-court action and the Thomas and Mack Center concourse was transformed into an interactive NBA experience.

— the heat index, azcentral, "NBA Summer League: Jerry West, Steve Ballmer, and Mark Cuban walk into an arena...," 6 July 2018
Her narrator’s final gesture, transforming herself into a piece of half-living art, echoes the odd and combative passivity of Herman Melville’s Bartleby, a scrivener who suddenly, inexplicably, refuses to perform his duties.

— alexandra kleeman, Vanities, "This Novel Provides an Empowering, Grotesque Alternative to Leaning In," 2 July 2018
Belters have this accent that is a lot like Eliza Doolittle before she was transformed into My Fair Lady.

— rhett allain, WIRED, "The Physics of a Spinning Spacecraft in The Expanse," 29 June 2018
The hot oil of a fryer drives water away, leaving those carbs in crispy gridlock, but any trace of humidity could cause that crispiness to transform into soggy rubber as hydrated carbs become pliable once again.

— ali bouzari, SFChronicle.com, "Housemade: The magic of Liholiho Yacht Club," 22 June 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.