object lesson

noun

ob·​ject lesson ˈäb-jikt- How to pronounce object lesson (audio)
-(ˌ)jekt-
: something that serves as a practical example of a principle or abstract idea

Examples of object lesson in a Sentence

His life story is an object lesson in how not to run a business.
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.
Trump critics routinely invoke Smoot-Hawley as an object lesson, arguing that its high tariffs prolonged and worsened the Great Depression. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 The campaign in Ohio provides an object lesson — a model that voucher advocates have deployed elsewhere. Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 13 Jan. 2025 The campaign in Ohio provides an object lesson—a model that voucher advocates have deployed elsewhere. Alec MacGillis, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 One that Moscow intends to be an object lesson to any of its colonies wishing to drift to far from Russia’s grasp - a direction synonymous with Western norms such as transparency, free speech, free elections, independent media and the like. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for object lesson 

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of object lesson was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near object lesson

Cite this Entry

“Object lesson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/object%20lesson. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

object lesson

noun
ˈäb-jikt-
: a real example of how some general idea or role works
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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