1
: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2
a
: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light
b
: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster
3
: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis
especially
: one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis
4
: a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it
Examples of prism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And now, even more Miami Heat statistics to measure through the prism of a Wizards team focused on winning by losing, with Saturday’s 152-136 defeat sending Washington to its 21st loss in its past 22 games.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Picture a prism pulling away from a stack of blocks.
—Fred A. Bernstein, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
In more recent years, especially, Byrne has channeled his multifarious discoveries through a prism of joy.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
With vintage maps and ship prisms lining the hotel’s walls, guests can easily picture what life was like in Mystic’s prime maritime era.
—Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prism
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Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Picture a prism pulling away from a stack of blocks.
—Fred A. Bernstein, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
In more recent years, especially, Byrne has channeled his multifarious discoveries through a prism of joy.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
With vintage maps and ship prisms lining the hotel’s walls, guests can easily picture what life was like in Mystic’s prime maritime era.
—Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prism
noun1
: a polyhedron with two opposite ends that are parallel polygons and faces that are each parallelograms
2
: a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors
Medical Definition
prism
noun1
: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2
: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light
3
: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis
especially
: one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis
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