projection

noun

pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
a
: a systematic presentation of intersecting coordinate lines on a flat surface upon which features from a curved surface (as of the earth or the celestial sphere) may be mapped
an equal-area map projection
b
: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object upon a plane or curved surface or a line by projecting its points
also : a graph or figure so formed
2
: a transforming change
3
: the act of throwing or thrusting forward
4
: the forming of a plan : scheming
5
a(1)
: a jutting out
(2)
: a part that juts out
b
: a view of a building or architectural element
6
a
: the act of perceiving a mental object as spatially and sensibly objective
also : something so perceived
b
: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects
especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
7
: the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen
8
a
: the act of projecting especially to an audience
b
: control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility
9
: an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend
projectional
prə-ˈjek-shnəl How to pronounce projection (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Did you know?

Projection has various meanings, but what they all have in common is that something is sent out or forward. A movie is projected onto a screen; a skilled actress projects her voice out into a large theater without seeming to shout; and something sticking out from a wall can be called a projection. But the meaning we focus on here is the one used by businesses and governments. Most projections of this kind are estimates of a company's sales or profits--or of the finances of a town, state, or country--sometime in the future.

Choose the Right Synonym for projection

projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge mean an extension beyond the normal line or surface.

projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

Examples of projection in a Sentence

He gave a projection of future expenses. projections on the rock wall
Recent Examples on the Web In the fall of 2013, a staffer named Giles Wilkes, who worked for a senior Liberal Democrat minister in the coalition, became alarmed by projections that showed ever-reducing government budgets. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 Sea cucumbers use these feet-like projections to suction onto surfaces and move around, according to the University of Hawai‘i. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024 The increase is double the initial projection issued in February of 15%. Aggressive and impactful reporting on climate change, the environment, health and science. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2024 Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca both took to social media on Thursday and Friday to dispute the projections from the county administration, which is headed by County Executive Frank White, who was a member of the Royals team that won the 1985 World Series. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 Others claimed that it was projected for a short moment, or that images of the projection circulating online were altered to include the text. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Last week, as part of that plan, the lottery office announced that FanDuel would take over sometime this spring, with guarantees and projections to bring in much more revenue. Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 The projection forecasts the deficit will grow from 5.6 percent of GDP in 2024 to 6.1 percent in 2034 then to 6.9 percent in 2039, and that debt held by the public will increase from 99 percent of GDP, to 116 percent, then ... Mark J. Warshawsky, National Review, 19 Mar. 2024 In its West Coast premiere at Berkeley Rep, Jennifer Chang’s lyrical production distills both the terror and the mystery of the Angel Island detention center, framed by Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh’s ethereal projections, standing sentinel at the gateway to the Bay Area for decades. Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'projection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of projection was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near projection

Cite this Entry

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/projection. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
: a method of showing a curved surface (as the earth) on a flat one (as a map)
2
: the act of throwing or shooting forward
3
: something that sticks out
4
: the act or process of projecting something on a surface (as by motion pictures or slides)
5
: an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now

Medical Definition

projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
a
: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object or a section of such an object upon a plane or curved surface
b
: a diagram or figure formed by projection
especially : view
2
a
: the act of referring a mental image constructed by the brain from bits of data collected by the sense organs to the actual source of stimulation outside the body
b
: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects
especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
3
: the functional correspondence and connection of parts of the cerebral cortex with other parts of the organism
the projection of the retina upon the visual area

More from Merriam-Webster on projection

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