tessellation

noun

tes·​sel·​la·​tion ˌte-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce tessellation (audio)
1
a
: mosaic
b
: a covering of an infinite geometric plane without gaps or overlaps by congruent plane figures of one type or a few types
2
: an act of tessellating : the state of being tessellated

Examples of tessellation in a Sentence

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.
Smithville records much of its culture and history is shiny tessellation. — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Another new direction is a wide ring that draws from the tessellation of repeating cells seen in honeycombs. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 These all converge into a brightly colored tessellation of figures that taper and fade into the background noise. — Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 The researchers focused on true tessellations, in which geometric tiles are discrete structural pieces separated by softer seams, rather than purely visual or hollow patterns such as animal coloration or honeycombs. — Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tessellation

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tessellation was in 1660

Rhymes for tessellation

See All Rhymes for tessellation

Browse Nearby Words

tessellated scale
tessellation
tessera
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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