transformation

noun

trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən 

-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

b

: function sense 5a

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

Synonyms

• changeover
• conversion
• metamorphosis
• transfiguration

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

Other major investments in the budget include school and program expansions, staff positions like social workers and transformation coaches, and school pool maintenance and staffing. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

From jellyfish cut to Joker, Lady Gaga is back with another hair transformation. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025

So Far Gone, one of that decade’s high watermarks of blog-era taste and jocking-for-beats curation, ramped up the transformation, getting cagier about the oversharing and locating a vulnerability that didn’t scan as corny. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025

Justina Blakeney: The future of design holds so much potential for positive transformation that is not only beautiful but also sustainable, diverse, thoughtful, and heart-led. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transformation

• linear transformation
• self-transformation
• topological transformation

Kids Definition

transformation

noun

trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən 

-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- 

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