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

There might be a lesson there for Dombrowski’s younger counterparts—just as he learned the art of the text-message trade from them.

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The lesson is clear: Protectionism might seem like a shield, but it easily becomes a cage.

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“Punch” could easily have become a bog of pieties and earnest, uplifting lessons about the necessity of forgiveness.

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Skateboarding as a middle-aged woman is often a lesson in abject humiliation.

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This week’s ouster of Nestlé Chief Executive Laurent Freixe served as a lesson to other European executives: When it comes to office romances, expect to play by American rules.

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Related Words

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