modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
with some modifications this statement is true todayJ. B. Conant
2
3
a
: the making of a limited change in something
making the exactly minimum degree of modification to her institutions necessary to fit them to new conditionsJohn Strachey
also : the result of such a change
b
: a change in an organism caused by environmental factors
4
: a limitation or qualification (see qualification sense 1) of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

Examples of modification in a Sentence

The program can be used on all computers without modification. They passed the law with only a few minor modifications. The weather required some major modifications to our travel plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aliah Anderson In Proenza Schouler at The Road to the Golden Globes Party at TIFF. Penske Media/Getty Images Cannes served as a launchpad for another recurring motif in their press looks: body modification. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2025 The car’s engine remains in place, along with its seven-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and all other modifications originally made by Aston Martin. Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 The reserve abuts Newport Coast – which already has fuel modification zones – and older homes in Corona Del Mar’s interior that were built before defensible space requirements, Gillespie said. Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2025 There are many traps that include most of these modifications. Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modification

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modification was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Modification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modification. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
a
: the act of modifying
b
: the state of being modified
2
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
3
: the result of modifying : partial change
modification of plans

Medical Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the act or result of modifying something
2
: a change in an organism that is not inherited and that is caused by the influence of its environment

More from Merriam-Webster on modification

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!