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
Eisner balances those personal reflections with one of Zimbardo’s final interviews, a telling one that anchors the final episode.
—
Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Brighton is a true reflection of Michigan's political variety, with people divided by their views.
—Arpan Lobo, Nushrat Rahman, Natalie Davies, Lindsay Tague, Alexander Boesch, Sarah Moore, Sophia Jundy, Mikia Lawrence, Alec Mork, Siddhi Choubey and Sonja Krohn, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Francis has frequently used social media to share passages of scripture, reflections on his faith and his opinions of world events since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 2013.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
The album's sound isn't just a reflection of the group's shifting tastes.
—Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reflection 
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Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Brighton is a true reflection of Michigan's political variety, with people divided by their views.
—Arpan Lobo, Nushrat Rahman, Natalie Davies, Lindsay Tague, Alexander Boesch, Sarah Moore, Sophia Jundy, Mikia Lawrence, Alec Mork, Siddhi Choubey and Sonja Krohn, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Francis has frequently used social media to share passages of scripture, reflections on his faith and his opinions of world events since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 2013.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
The album's sound isn't just a reflection of the group's shifting tastes.
—Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reflection
Dictionary Entries Near reflection
Cite this Entry
“Reflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflection. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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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