meditation

American  

[med-i-tay-shuhn] / ˌmɛd ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

• meditations
  plural

1. the act of meditating.

2. continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation.

3. Transcendental Meditation.

4. devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection.

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meditation British  

/ ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of meditating; contemplation; reflection

2. contemplation of spiritual matters, esp as a religious practice

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• meditations
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

meditation meditations

Since the trip, almost 2 years ago, I have made acupuncture and meditation part of my weekly routine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

He began a yearslong meditation regimen to find the source of that trauma.

From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026

I find every other form of meditation impossible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

In Bhutan's Paro, several hundred proponents of the idea are practicing everything from walking meditation to mindful eating -- slowing down to appreciate the taste, smell, texture and colours of food.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

Siddhartha had already long taken part in the learned men’s conversations, had engaged in debate with Govinda and had practiced the art of contemplation and meditation with him.

From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse

This fresh attempt to clarify his position is styled by Mr. Fukuyama as a memoir, but it is better seen as a series of meditations—the meditations, in truth, of a misunderstood man.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

There were other features in the app that I didn’t fully utilize, like journal prompts, mood trackers, meditations, and more.

From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026

The apothecary hosts meditations, sound baths, tarot card readings and massages there to help bring the mind and body into balance.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

“Fantasy” resulted from his meditations within the pyramids of Giza and his claimed communications with aliens.

From Salon ● Jun. 7, 2026

Mrs. Pontellier's mind was quite at rest concerning the present material needs of her children, and she could not see the use of anticipating and making winter night garment’ the subject of her summer meditations.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

• introspection
• reflection
• rumination
• self-examination