mirror

1 of 2

noun

mir·​ror ˈmir-ər How to pronounce mirror (audio)
ˈmi-rər
1
: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection
She looked at herself in the mirror.
2
a
: something that gives a true representation
the press as a mirror of public opinionC. G. Bowers
b
: an exemplary model
She is the mirror of feminine beauty.
mirrored
ˈmir-ərd How to pronounce mirror (audio)
ˈmi-rərd
ˈmir-əd
ˈmi-rəd
adjective
mirrorlike
ˈmir-ər-ˌlīk How to pronounce mirror (audio)
ˈmi-rər-
adjective

mirror

2 of 2

verb

mirrored; mirroring; mirrors

transitive verb

1
: to reflect in or as if in a mirror
2

Examples of mirror in a Sentence

Noun breaking a mirror is supposed to bring seven years of bad luck Verb The building was mirrored in the lake. the still waters of the pond mirroring the cloudless sky above
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
My grandfather on my dad’s side, Michel Martens, was a mirror artist. Jessica Testa, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 In this case, frame your images using the mirror on the front rather than the viewfinder, as parallax distortion is an issue up close. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2024 Lloyd’s adjustment mirrors the move made 30 years ago by Lute Olson, the Hall of Fame coach who also ran aground in the NCAAs during his career. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 In the trailer, Brunson sat before a mirror in a loose navy sweater, a Dior-logo print scarf over her hair. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Serpas scavenges discarded mattresses, medicine balls, collapsible tent frames, old carpets and broken mirrors. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Posting a few mirror selfies, the rapper wore a tight T-shirt that showcased her growing belly. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 The movie is that mirror, showing America the risks of in-fighting and the potential costs of division. Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 Auto workers are gaining pay globally The wage increases abroad mirrors a growing trend in the U.S. after the United Auto Workers (UAW) negotiated record pay increases from the Detroit Big Three automakers — Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis — last year. William Gavin, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
Verb
Each time Brock made a turn, the cruiser mirrored his move — but the deputy inside didn’t turn on the lights or sirens and didn’t try to pull him over, Brock said. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 For example, Foss says open water swimming goggles should be tinted to reduce the sun's brightness, mirrored to deflect additional light, and fog-resistant to prevent having to stop and clear your goggles. Marisa Petrarca, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 Hong Kong is expanding the term to include information relating to the economic and social development of the city, as well as major policy decisions and scientific technology, mirroring mainland China’s language on state secrets. TIME, 19 Mar. 2024 It's intended to walk viewers through the characters' coming-of-age story, mirroring the plot of the show. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2024 Its narrow streets are crowded with small, irregular houses that have tiny gardens or mosaic walls out front made of stained glass and mirror shards. Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Consider your child's needs when selecting between the different types of lenses, including polycarbonate, mirrored, and prescription. Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 In the same way the price of gold is linked to a degree to the cost of clawing ore from the ground, the price of bitcoin should at least loosely mirror the hardware and energy costs associated with mining new bitcoin. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024 This bonus bounty is mirrored for the online poker section, ensuring equal excitement across both realms. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mirror.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mirour "object with a reflective surface, reflection, model of conduct," borrowed from Anglo-French mirur, mireour, from mirer "to look at" (going back to Latin mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at") + -ur, -eour -or entry 1 — more at admire

Verb

derivative of mirror entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mirror was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near mirror

Cite this Entry

“Mirror.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mirror. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mirror

1 of 2 noun
mir·​ror ˈmir-ər How to pronounce mirror (audio)
1
: a smooth or polished surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection
2
: something that gives a true likeness or description

mirror

2 of 2 verb
1
: to reflect in or as if in a mirror
2
: resemble
her presentation mirrored that of her classmates

Medical Definition

mirror

noun
mir·​ror ˈmir-ər How to pronounce mirror (audio)
: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection

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