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

A sprinkle of heavenly magic, and Arj can be taught a valuable lesson—by trading places with Jeff and finding out that wealth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Former special counsel Jack Smith took to a London stage last week to provide a sublime if unwitting lesson in the two styles of lawfare now on display in our beleaguered justice system.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many groups are already applying these lessons by engaging in protest, preaching, advocacy, direct support and litigation to fight for their immigrant neighbors.

Read more on Salon

In California, where the next “Big One” is an always-looming threat, some lessons learned from the 1925 Santa Barbara quake resonate even 100 years later, experts say.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And the DOJ warriors, like Roberts and others, including a young Alito, learned a valuable lesson in patience.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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