lesson

[ les-uhn ]

noun

1. a section into which a course of study is divided, especially a single, continuous session of formal instruction in a subject:

   The manual was broken down into 50 lessons.

2. a part of a book, an exercise, etc., that is assigned to a student for study:

   The lesson for today is on page 22. He worked assiduously at his music lesson.

3. something to be learned or studied:

   the lessons of the past.

4. a useful piece of practical wisdom acquired by experience or study:

   That accident certainly taught him a lesson in careful driving.

5. something from which a person learns or should learn; an instructive example:

   Her faith should serve as a lesson to all of us.

6. a reproof or punishment intended to teach one better ways.
7. a portion of Scripture or other sacred writing read or appointed to be read at a divine service; lection; pericope.

verb (used with object)

1. to teach; instruct; give a lesson to.
2. to admonish or reprove.

lesson

/ ˈlɛsən /

noun

1. 1. a unit, or single period of instruction in a subject; class

      an hour-long music lesson

   2. the content of such a unit
2. material assigned for individual study
3. something from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned; example
4. the principles, knowledge, etc, gained
5. a reprimand or punishment intended to correct
6. a portion of Scripture appointed to be read at divine service

verb

1. rare.
   tr to censure or punish

Word History and Origins

Origin of lesson¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English lesso(u)n, from Old French leçon, from Latin lēctiōn-, stem of lēctiō “a reading”; lection

Word History and Origins

Origin of lesson¹

C13: from Old French leçon, from Latin lēctiō, from legere to read

Idioms and Phrases

see learn one's lesson ; teach a lesson .

Example Sentences

Thirty minutes after my lesson began, I was turned loose with my Pennsylvania map, my van full of supplies, and the traps.

From Popular-Science

This result would be an extraordinary lesson in how life really can adapt to all available niches within an environment.

From MIT Technology Review

The TikTok “sale” is turning out to be an object lesson in what you get when governments broker tech deals.

From Quartz

The lesson of 2020 has been that brands need to tighten up every aspect of their e-commerce operation.

From Digiday

They gave her piano lessons but they couldn’t afford a piano, so Carlos’ father drew piano keys on a piece of paper so she could practice.

From Washington Blade

He was getting another lesson in what he had seemed not to appreciate fully about cops.

From The Daily Beast

The second lesson is that no one writing before the twentieth century holds a key to our problems.

From The Daily Beast

A senior law enforcement official suggested one early lesson from the tragedy.

From The Daily Beast

The testimony is damning: the world has not learned its lesson.

From The Daily Beast

“Business theory teaches us one important lesson,” says the instructress.

From The Daily Beast

And remember it is by our hypothesis the best possible form and arrangement of that lesson.

From Project Gutenberg

“It means, my dear, that the Dragoons and the 60th will have to teach these impudent rebels a much-needed lesson,” said her uncle.

From Project Gutenberg

To-day I'm more dead than alive, as we had a lesson from him yesterday that lasted four hours.

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly after she came to her lesson limping, and remarked that she felt very uncomfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

At the lesson following he accordingly presented himself with his arm in a sling.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• class
• education
• exercise
• homework
• instruction
• lecture
• practice
• reading
• study
• task
• teaching
• test