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

All week Gonzalez said the coaches were preaching the lesson learned from last season.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Peterborough's Hampton Vale Primary Academy plans to install a portable pop-up pool in its playground by the Easter term, so about 400 pupils can have swimming lessons.

Read more on BBC

That is a good lesson to consider heading into December as well, given that the S&P 500 is up 16.7% in 2025, within striking distance of a 20% gain for the year.

Read more on Barron's

Children will have lessons in budgets, money management, mortgages and compound interest.

Read more on BBC

YouTube was added, despite the government's suggestion that it would be exempt so that children could watch lessons online.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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