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
That is also a reflection of their performance and share price.
—
Ryan Lawler, Axios, 11 July 2024
Among the winning body of work was a report on how the massacre unfolded, a reflection on how the incident shattered the hope and joy of Lunar New Year and an editorial on the familiarity of mass shootings.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024
Critics say that's a reflection of her management style.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
Sharing reflections and more than a little advice from his globetrotting travels.
—Abc News, ABC News, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for reflection 
Ryan Lawler, Axios, 11 July 2024
Among the winning body of work was a report on how the massacre unfolded, a reflection on how the incident shattered the hope and joy of Lunar New Year and an editorial on the familiarity of mass shootings.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024
Critics say that's a reflection of her management style.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
Sharing reflections and more than a little advice from his globetrotting travels.
—Abc News, ABC News, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for reflection
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reflection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near reflection
Cite this Entry
“Reflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflection. Accessed 15 Jul. 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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