alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
plural alterations
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern They did a good job on the dress alteration. He made alterations in his will.
Recent Examples on the Web The multi-element ICP results show good, positive relationships between Au, Cu, Bi, Ag, As, W and K (potassic alteration), negative relationships with Mo, Sb and Ca. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 For example, Nordstrom is slowly growing Nordstrom Local, a store primarily focused on services including alterations, pickups and returns. Jaclyn Peiser, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 Given the chance to write her own version of this scene, Sloane made a few alterations. Reggie Ugwu, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 The wait for finished alterations: 4-6 weeks and worth it. Jane Herman, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2024 Specifically, onX updates its maps with medium-resolution images every two weeks so hunters can monitor freeze lines, snowpack, wildfires, or any other landscape alteration. Ryan Chelius, Field & Stream, 31 Jan. 2024 Construction alterations and water damage were so bad the entire house had to be torn down. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 The change was part of a trio of possible alterations to the ordinance that the city’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure highlighted in a news release Thursday. Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Unfortunately, due to habitat alteration and loss, the population of these creatures is declining and there are dedicated scientists who spend their lives studying and tagging them. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alteration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near alteration

Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alteration

noun
al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification

More from Merriam-Webster on alteration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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