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

“The fact that it was fraud as an excuse, but we, you know, we looked at what lessons we can learn from that and applied it across our portfolio.”

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Linda had spent a career as a school teacher, and Nancy and I were convinced that she had one last lesson: to teach a young girl about dying with dignity.

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UK public inquiries investigate matters of public concern, establishing facts about what happened and what lessons can be learnt.

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The fact he's back now highlights the importance they are giving to the impact the pandemic had on children and the lessons that need to be learned.

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The campus concierge offers students airport shuttle service for free if they wear a High Point University shirt; otherwise it costs $95—a lesson in brand awareness.

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Related Words

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