projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion | \ prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio) \

Definition of projection

1a : 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
5a(1) : a jutting out
(2) : a part that juts out
b : a view of a building or architectural element
6a : 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
8a : 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

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Other Words from projection

projectional \ prə-​ˈjek-​shnəl How to pronounce projectional (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective

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

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.

Examples of projection in a Sentence

He gave a projection of future expenses. projections on the rock wall

Recent Examples on the Web

Two ways to gauge the impact are odds and fantasy football projections. Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star, "If you still believe in the Colts, here's your chance to make money," 25 Aug. 2019 His updated projections point to 77 catches for 1,179 yards and five TDs. Shawn Childs, SI.com, "Andrew Luck's Retirement Opens the Door for Jacoby Brissett," 25 Aug. 2019 Most preseason bowl projections forecast two destinations for the Cougars – the Frisco Bowl in suburban Dallas and the Birmingham Bowl. Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, "UH bowl projections ahead of season," 25 Aug. 2019 The lower level is finished with a large glassed-in workout room, a full kitchen, full bath and a rec room with projection TV for groups to watch sports or movies. Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, "Large West Bloomfield lake home has everything, including your own boat," 24 Aug. 2019 Some projections and oddsmakers, however, have the Dodgers and the Houston Astros, who aren’t far behind in terms of record, as the teams most likely to meet for the championship. James Wagner, New York Times, "Yankees-Dodgers Is Both a Rarity and a Potential Playoff Preview," 23 Aug. 2019 Using 10 cameras, each with a small angle of view, the system digitizes the work area and three lasers provide optimal viewing projection on the leather. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "Everything That Goes Into Making a New Balance Sneaker," 23 Aug. 2019 The production, which combined live actors with 360-degree projection under a massive dome, premiered in Pasadena in July to much fanfare, including an opening night appearance by moon walker Buzz Aldrin. Los Angeles Times, "‘Apollo 11’ live show won’t make the leap from Pasadena to Orange County after all," 23 Aug. 2019 The Census Bureau is aware of digitization risks (and expenses, with cost projections upwards of $15 billion, including an IT budget). Leeza Garber, WIRED, "Shh! No Hacking the Census in the Library," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'projection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of projection

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for projection

projection

noun

English Language Learners Definition of projection

: an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now
: something that sticks out from a surface
: the act or process of causing a picture, movie, etc., to appear on a surface