meditation
Americannoun
-
the act of meditating.
-
continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation.
-
devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection.
noun
-
the act of meditating; contemplation; reflection
-
contemplation of spiritual matters, esp as a religious practice
Etymology
Origin of meditation
First recorded in 1175–1225; from Latin meditātiōn-, stem of meditātiō “contemplation, planning”; equivalent to meditate + -ion
Explanation
A meditation is an extended period of thought or concentration. If you practice yoga and you often meditate, you know what meditation is. But any time you focus on one thing for a long time, it's an act of meditation. After you've thought about something for a while, you can write about it, and that writing could be called a meditation, too. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is a meditation on joy. If you're easily upset by things, consider meditation. Slowing down your thought process and concentrating on it for a while can make you feel better. Samurai were known for meditating before going into battle. Meditation gave them focus, and focus gave them power.
Vocabulary lists containing meditation
World Religions
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
South Asia - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
South Asia - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The team also plans to examine how different elements of the retreat, including meditation, reconceptualization, and open-label placebo healing, contribute individually and together.
From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026
Daedone spends hours meditating in jail each day, and teaches meditation to her fellow inmates, Bonjean said in court.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Sarah lost one tenant at the meditation studio in July; another threatened to move out soon after.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
The organization also hosts various classes including yoga, breath work, mindful meditation, mat Pilates and step aerobics at their studio, the WalkGood Yard, in Arlington Heights.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026
As a boy I was occupied with the gods and sacrifices, as a youth with asceticism, with thinking and meditation.
From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
