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
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.
The final legislation is expected to reflect alterations from ongoing negotiations. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 His evolution required alterations to his left-handed swing, learning how to channel his emotions, and even a few wake-up calls. Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Additional credits include makeup artist Lina Raja Mourey, hair stylist Oscar Pallares Gomez and dress alterations by Jaime Elyse. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 29 May 2025 The brand has also teamed up with a local atelier in New York City that have been trained by McCormack for repairs and alterations. Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alteration

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

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Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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

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