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
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
Months before news of their divorce, Schumer showed off a dramatic weight loss transformation in October.
—
Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026
Here are the biggest celebrity weight loss transformations of the year.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
While planning and logistical work has been going on for months, the ballpark’s physical transformation unfolded in just about two weeks.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
However, in 2026, the goal of wellness as part of a vacation will continue to grow from relaxation and indulgence to total-life transformation, Del Duca believes.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transformation
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026
Here are the biggest celebrity weight loss transformations of the year.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
While planning and logistical work has been going on for months, the ballpark’s physical transformation unfolded in just about two weeks.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
However, in 2026, the goal of wellness as part of a vacation will continue to grow from relaxation and indulgence to total-life transformation, Del Duca believes.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transformation
Cite this Entry
“Transformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
-shnəl,
-shən-ᵊl
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
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