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 biggest lesson he learned: “What does Chad want to do?” he dryly cackles, before interrupting himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs Morris said she took comfort from the fact the ambulance service had learned lessons from her husband's death.

From BBC

This is a revival that extends the show’s lesson about looking past differences to include bodily types and even physical ability.

From Los Angeles Times

These may be extreme examples, but the lesson here is that positioning science as the servant of ideology is perilous.

From Los Angeles Times

Clarke is not the type of character to dwell on the lessons learned at the Euros for fear of inviting a public inquisition that he has no desire to be part of.

From BBC

Related Words

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