alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
plural alterations
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern They did a good job on the dress alteration. He made alterations in his will.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Italian official said alterations were not detected by eye and only were revealed by examining the seams of the crotch area of the ski suits after the competition. Graham Dunbar, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Intense alteration on early Mars revealed by high-aluminum rocks at Jezero crater. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 One great thing about Hackman is that there was no alteration in the rounded rasp of his voice when the moral conditions changed. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 Perhaps trigeminal nerve fibers are sensitive to alterations in estrogen levels. Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alteration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alteration was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

alteration

noun
al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification

More from Merriam-Webster on alteration

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