transformation

noun

trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio)
-fȯr-
1
: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed
2
: false hair worn especially by a woman to replace or supplement natural hair
3
a(1)
: the operation of changing (as by rotation or mapping) one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule
especially : a change of variables or coordinates in which a function of new variables or coordinates is substituted for each original variable or coordinate
(2)
: the formula that effects a transformation
c
: an operation that converts (as by insertion, deletion, or permutation) one grammatical string (such as a sentence) into another
also : a formal statement of such an operation
4
: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another bacterial cell
also : genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

Examples of transformation in a Sentence

The building underwent various transformations over the years. a raven-haired starlet who underwent an attention-getting transformation and showed up at the awards ceremony as a blonde
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.
When an insecure yet ambitious regime attempts to carry out large-scale social transformation, the indolent bureaucrat makes for an ideal scapegoat. Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025 Of course, Star Wars is probably the biggest movie franchise of all time and Funko Pop! has a huge range of Star Wars figures available — with all your best Star Wars Movie characters getting the bobblehead transformation. Paul Brett, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Lorraine Wiseman describes coaching as a process of transformation. Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Others use it as a breaking point for transformation. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transformation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transformation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

transformation

noun
trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio)
-fȯr-
: an act, process, or example of transforming or being transformed
transformational
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

transformation

noun
trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən, -fȯr- How to pronounce transformation (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed see malignant transformation
2
a
: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another ruptured bacterial cell compare transduction sense 2
b
: genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

More from Merriam-Webster on transformation

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