lesson

LES-uhn/ˈlɛsn̩/

Plurallessons

Verblessons, lessoning, lessoned

9 meanings of lesson

Practice

1
nouncountable
One part of a bigger course of study, used to teach one topic at a time.
Like one chapter in a book that you read one at a time.
Today's lesson covered the parts of a plant.
The teacher split the unit into six short lessons.
Similarunit, module, chapter
2
nouncountable
A useful piece of knowledge you get from something that happens to you.
Like a tip you pick up after trying something the hard way.
The trip taught her a valuable lesson about patience.
Hard times often carry lessons we remember for years.
Similarinsight, takeaway, moral
3
nouncountable
An event or example that warns or encourages people to act a certain way.
Like a red light that tells you to stop and think.
Let his fall be a lesson to anyone who skips safety checks.
Their recovery stands as a lesson in hope for the whole town.
Similarexample, warning, model, deterrent
Note
4
nouncountable
Work that a teacher gives you to do, often at home.
Like chores your parents ask you to finish at home.
She finished her lesson before dinner.
The teacher handed out lessons for the long weekend.
Similarassignment, homework, exercise
5
nouncountable
A strong telling-off meant to correct someone's behavior.
Like a firm warning that makes you think twice.
His father gave him a stern lesson about lying.
She got a sharp lesson from the coach after skipping practice.
Similarscolding, rebuke, reprimand, lecture
Note
6
nouncountable
A part of the Bible or another holy book read aloud during a church service.
Like a chosen page read out loud to everyone at a gathering.
The deacon read the first lesson from Isaiah.
Two lessons were read before the sermon began.
Similarreading, passage
Note
7
verbtransitive
To teach someone, or give them something to learn.
Like showing a friend how to do something step by step.
The old tutor would lesson the village children each morning.
She lessoned her apprentice in the basics of the craft.
Similarteach, instruct, tutor, school, train
Note
8
nouncountable
A short piece of music written to help a student practice a skill.
Like a short workout made to train just one muscle.
Her piano teacher wrote a simple lesson to build finger strength.
He played the same lesson until his scales were smooth.
Similarexercise, study, etude
Note

Less common meaning

9
verbarchaic
To teach or guide someone in what they should do.
Like teaching someone a skill little by little.
The priest would lesson the young men in right conduct.
And you, my sister—you, who lesson me on endurance, your cheek is pale, and your step languid; even with you, how much has life lost its interest!
1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Francesca CarraraHere, lesson means to teach, so the sister teaches the speaker about patience.
Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from Latin lēctiō, meaning "a reading," through Old French leçon and Middle English lessoun.