transformation
noun
trans·for·ma·tion
ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən 
-fȯr-
1
: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed
2
: false hair worn especially by a woman to replace or supplement natural hair
3
a(1)
: the operation of changing (as by rotation or mapping) one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule
especially
: a change of variables or coordinates in which a function of new variables or coordinates is substituted for each original variable or coordinate
(2)
: the formula that effects a transformation
c
: an operation that converts (as by insertion, deletion, or permutation) one grammatical string (such as a sentence) into another
also
: a formal statement of such an operation
4
: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another bacterial cell
also
: genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA
Examples of transformation in a Sentence
The building underwent various transformations over the years.
a raven-haired starlet who underwent an attention-getting transformation and showed up at the awards ceremony as a blonde
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2017, Shannon was the focus of her own WEtv show Mama June: From Not to Hot, which followed her dramatic weight loss transformation.
—
Mckinley Franklin, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The show is partially set before the events of Revenge of the Sith, which ends with Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader after being severely injured in a lightsaber duel with Obi-Wan.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2025
For instance, Matt highlights member Daniel Del Real, who initially joined to improve his business but quickly realized the need for personal transformation.
—Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
The depictions of the Penitent Magdalene are no less striking for their transformation over time, through each artist’s imagination—or for beginning with the wrong Mary.
—Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transformation
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Mckinley Franklin, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The show is partially set before the events of Revenge of the Sith, which ends with Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader after being severely injured in a lightsaber duel with Obi-Wan.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2025
For instance, Matt highlights member Daniel Del Real, who initially joined to improve his business but quickly realized the need for personal transformation.
—Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
The depictions of the Penitent Magdalene are no less striking for their transformation over time, through each artist’s imagination—or for beginning with the wrong Mary.
—Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transformation
Cite this Entry
“Transformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transformation
noun
trans·for·ma·tion
ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən
-fȯr-
: an act, process, or example of transforming or being transformed
transformational
adjective
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
Medical Definition
transformation
noun
trans·for·ma·tion
ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən, -fȯr-
1
: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed see malignant transformation
2
a
: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another ruptured bacterial cell compare transduction sense 2
b
: genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA
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