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
This led to vast transformations in surgery, childbirth, handwashing, sterilization and infection control, per NIH and the Science History Institute.
—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Kardashian, 45, was first to debut North’s style transformation, posting her daughter with vibrant blue hair to her Instagram Stories in June 2025.
—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
The visible result is a dramatic transformation of the yellow liquid into a black, electrically conductive hydrogel.
—
New Atlas,
3 July 2026
Due to her limited knowledge of the lore, there were characteristics that guided her transformation.
—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for transformation
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.
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Kardashian, 45, was first to debut North’s style transformation, posting her daughter with vibrant blue hair to her Instagram Stories in June 2025.
—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
The visible result is a dramatic transformation of the yellow liquid into a black, electrically conductive hydrogel.
—
New Atlas,
3 July 2026
Due to her limited knowledge of the lore, there were characteristics that guided her transformation.
—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for transformation
Cite this Entry
“Transformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation. Accessed 5 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
