prism

noun

ˈpri-zəm How to pronounce prism (audio)
1
: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2
a
: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light
b
: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster
3
: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis
especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis
4
: a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it

Examples of prism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Genuine crystal normally forms a prism of rays when held up to a light source, whereas glass lets light pass through without a colorful effect. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026 Among the hotel’s many nautical touches are whaling ship murals, a map of old shipping routes covering the lobby’s ceiling, and chandeliers made of antique-style deck prisms. — Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 There’s a select group of Dolphins fans who will forever view Proctor’s career through the prism of what could’ve been. — Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 That combination of price, image quality, and convenience earns the Viture Pro 2 our Editors' Choice award for affordable prism-display smart glasses. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prism

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prism was in 1570

Rhymes for prism

See All Rhymes for prism

Browse Nearby Words

prisiadka
prism
prismal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prism

noun
ˈpriz-əm How to pronounce prism (audio)
1
: a polyhedron with two opposite ends that are parallel polygons and faces that are each parallelograms
2
: a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors

Medical Definition

prism

noun
ˈpriz-əm How to pronounce prism (audio)
1
: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2
: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light
3
: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis
especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis

More from Merriam-Webster on prism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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