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
During its transformation, the building was carefully restored to its original state, informed by extensive historical research.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
The timing of this total transformation — technology and workforce alike — remains uncertain, but the velocity is staggering.
—Leagh Turner, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
The transformation is the vision of Professor Cynthia O’Dell, who teaches psychology and women and gender studies.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Fustic has always attracted an intriguing crowd—Messel’s social orbit famously overlapped with British royalty, and even Princess Margaret once stopped by during its transformation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for transformation
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
The timing of this total transformation — technology and workforce alike — remains uncertain, but the velocity is staggering.
—Leagh Turner, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
The transformation is the vision of Professor Cynthia O’Dell, who teaches psychology and women and gender studies.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Fustic has always attracted an intriguing crowd—Messel’s social orbit famously overlapped with British royalty, and even Princess Margaret once stopped by during its transformation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 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 Apr. 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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