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

But there is a lesson within these fast-moving developments.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Noom users invest their time — encounter by encounter, lesson by lesson, behavior change by behavior change — to achieve weight-loss or well-being goals.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

The lesson from these examples isn’t that protecting children online is misguided or an unworthy goal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The pursuit of perfection flies in the face of a critical lesson sports should teach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

But it was on one of these “trapping” runs that I got my third lesson, or awakening.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

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