mirror

1 of 2

noun

mir·​ror ˈmir-ər 

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 opinion

—C. G. Bowers

b

: an exemplary model

She is the mirror of feminine beauty.

mirrored

ˈmir-ərd 

ˈmi-rərd

ˈmir-əd

ˈmi-rəd

adjective

mirrorlike

ˈmir-ər-ˌlīk 

ˈmi-rər-

adjective

mirror

2 of 2

verb

mirrored; mirroring; mirrors

transitive verb

1

: to reflect in or as if in a mirror

2

: resemble

Synonyms

Noun

• glass
• looking glass

Verb

• image
• reflect

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

As Rudolph turns to face the mirror, she’s met with warm, inviting gaze of real-life Vice President Kamala Harris. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2024

After a conversation with President Joe Biden (played by Dana Carvey) and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (Andy Samberg), Maya Rudolph as the vice president sat down in front of a mirror. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

The board adopted the curriculum in May 2023 as the primary math resource, meaning classes across the district would mirror Murphy’s approach. —Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

This approach mirrors the assemblage process in Dom Pérignon’s winemaking, says Vincent Chaperon, Dom Pérignon’s chef de cave (head winemaker). —Rachel King, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing mirror

• in one's rearview mirror
• in the rearview mirror
• magnetic mirror
• mirror image
• one-way mirror
• rearview mirror
• side-view mirror
• two-way mirror
• wing mirror

Kids Definition

mirror

1 of 2 noun

mir·​ror ˈmir-ər 

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 

: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection