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

“The same way we protect cultural and artistic heritage, we need to defend the human heritage of these people. There are lessons to be learned here,” he says.

From Science Magazine

"It would just be lovely to see things going forward like music projects and young people getting their lessons and improving on instruments," she said, "knowing that Harvey's legacy is helping that to happen."

From BBC

Most of Ury’s work before “The Later Daters” was with Gen Z and millennial singles, but she found that the lessons were applicable to older generations.

From Los Angeles Times

“You’re teaching your kids a lesson from that point on,” said Morris, who has three children.

From Los Angeles Times

She said that alongside vital training for teachers, there are also practical measures a school can put in place such as the option to "skip certain lessons depending on the topics".

From BBC

Related Words

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