meditation

noun

med·​i·​ta·​tion ˌme-də-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce meditation (audio)
Synonyms of meditationnext
1
: a discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation
2
: the act or process of meditating
… the meditation out of which this novel has come.—Granville Hicks

Synonyms of meditation

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Examples of meditation in a Sentence

She spent the morning in meditation. Daily meditation helps clear his mind.
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.
The last chapters of Jones’s book are filled with meditations on mortality that are both life affirming and sweet. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026 The law provides no mandates for how children must spend that time, but some options listed in the law include meditation, reflection and prayer. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 Residential patients will also have access to a stickball court, garden space for traditional foods, a gym and room for meditation. — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 The Calm app has guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories, and music designed to reduce anxiety and quiet the nervous system. — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for meditation

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of meditation was in the 13th century

Rhymes for meditation

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Browse Nearby Words

meditatingly
meditation
meditative
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Cite this Entry

“Meditation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meditation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meditation

noun
med·​i·​ta·​tion ˌmed-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce meditation (audio)
: the act or an instance of meditating

More from Merriam-Webster on meditation

Nglish: Translation of meditation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meditation

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