lesson

American  

[les-uhn] / ˈlɛs ən /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to teach; instruct; give a lesson to.

2. to admonish or reprove.

lesson British  

/ 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

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verb

1. rare (tr) to censure or punish

lesson Idioms  

1. see learn one's lesson; teach a lesson.

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Etymology

Origin of lesson

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

Example Sentences

Getting wiped out "hurt a lot", he told AFP, but he also learned a valuable lesson: he has come to think of the losses as "tuition fees".

From Barron's

There are certainly lessons about having a plan and a strategy, buying in cross-party support for long-term decisions, and involving public and private sectors.

From BBC

Some other topics we delved into include the rise of reverse recruiting, seeing the City of Love on a budget and real-world money lessons in the classroom.

From The Wall Street Journal

In honour of St Valentine's Day, here are some of those love stories... and a few of the lessons learned along the way.

From BBC

His first piloting lesson came at 13; he flew solo just after his 16th birthday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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