correction

noun

cor·​rec·​tion kə-ˈrek-shən 

1

: the action or an instance of correcting: such as

a

: amendment, rectification

b

: rebuke, punishment

c

: a bringing into conformity with a standard

d

: neutralization, counteraction

correction of acidity

2

: a decline in market price or business activity following and counteracting a rise

3

a

: something substituted in place of what is wrong

marking corrections on the students' papers

b

: a quantity applied by way of correcting (as for adjustment of an instrument)

4

: the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through a program involving penal custody, parole, and probation

also : the administration of such treatment as a matter of public policy

—usually used in plural

correctional

kə-ˈrek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• amendment
• emendation

Examples of correction in a Sentence

The teacher marked corrections on his students' tests.

Please make corrections before handing in your compositions.

the correction of your mistakes

people in need of vision correction

Recent Examples on the Web

Millennials—and even some Gen Z users—were quick to flood the comments with corrections and critiques. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Produced by Christy Harmon A correction was made on Jan. 20, 2025 : An earlier version of a picture caption with this article misstated the designer of the gown that Jackie Kennedy wore to the inaugural balls in 1961. —Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

The immediate price impact of a Harris victory might have been substantial – perhaps even triggering a significant market correction. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

In comparison, across Miami-Dade County, just over 10% of all people booked into county jails in 2024 were classified as homeless, according to data from the county’s corrections department. —Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing correction

• correction fluid
• house of correction

Kids Definition

correction

noun

cor·​rec·​tion kə-ˈrek-shən 

1

: the action or an instance of correcting

2

: a change that makes something right

3

: punishment intended to correct faults of character or behavior

correctional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

correction

noun

cor·​rec·​tion kə-ˈrek-shən 

: the action or an instance of correcting or neutralizing a harmful or undesirable condition

correction of acidity

correction of visual defects with glasses

Legal Definition

correction

noun

cor·​rec·​tion

1

: a decline in market price or business activity following and counteracting a rise

2

: the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through a program involving penal custody, parole, and probation

—often used in pl.

correctional adjective