What does "mirror" mean?
A smooth surface, usually made of glass with reflective material painted on the underside, that reflects light so as to give an image of what is in front of it.
Mirror
/ˈmɪɹ.ɐ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A smooth surface, usually made of glass with reflective material painted on the underside, that reflects light so as to give an image of what is in front of it.
- Grammar: mirror is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: acme, act like, adumbrate, affect.
- Useful contrasts: unmirrored model, absorb, conceal.
- Usage evidence: How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?
How to use "mirror"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mirror" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mirror" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mirror" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mirror" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mirror" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acme" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mirror", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A smooth surface, usually made of glass with reflective material painted on the underside, that reflects light so as to give an image of what is in front of it.
"I had a look in the mirror to see if the blood had come off my face."
- 2 polished surface that forms images by reflecting light wordnet
- 3 An object, person, or event that reflects or gives a picture of another. figuratively
"His story is a mirror into the life of orphans growing up."
- 4 a faithful depiction or reflection wordnet
- 5 A website or server that contains replicated data from another site. Internet
"Although the content had been deleted from his blog, it was still found on some mirrors."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A mirror carp.
- 7 A kind of political self-help book, advising kings, princes, etc. on how to behave. historical
Verb
- 1 To reflect, as in a mirror. transitive
- 2 reflect or resemble wordnet
- 3 To act as a reflection of, either by being identical to, or by being identical but reversed. transitive
"The placement of the paintings mirrored the positions of the windows on the opposite wall."
- 4 reflect as if in a mirror wordnet
- 5 Of an event, activity, behavior, to be identical to; to be a copy of; to imitate closely. transitive
"He tried to mirror Elvis's life by copying his fashion and mannerisms."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To create something identical to (a website, etc.). Internet, transitive
Antonyms
Example
"How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mirror"?
Common synonyms include: acme, act like, adumbrate, affect, antetype, antitype.
How do you use "mirror" in a sentence?
How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?
How do you pronounce "mirror"?
Pronounced /ˈmɪɹ.ɐ/.
Etymology
From Middle English mirour, from Old French mireor (“mirror”, literally “looker, watcher”), from mirer (“look at”), from Latin mīror (“wonder at”), from mīrus (“wonderful”), from Proto-Indo-European *smey- (“to laugh, to be glad”). Displaced native Middle English schewere, schawere, from Old English sċēawere (“mirror”, literally “watcher”), which was also the word for "spy".