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.
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 An object lesson for family offices is the devastation in Florida from Hurricane Helene quickly followed up by Hurricane Milton, one of the most powerful storms on record, especially for those that have offices or property in the disaster areas. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Germany’s current state is an object lesson in the dangers of failing to prepare for and protect oneself, one’s neighbors, and one’s allies against the next disruption. Constanze Stelzenmüller, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021 This embed wasn’t just an object lesson in the lengths Israel will go to to punish its enemies, but real-time evidence that dormant adversaries are emerging from the shadows, and Israel’s war to thwart them is becoming regional. Nic Robertson, CNN, 30 Sep. 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 30 Nov. 2024.

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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