transform

1 of 2

verb

trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce transform (audio)
transformed; transforming; transforms

transitive verb

1
a
: to change in composition or structure
b
: to change the outward form or appearance of
c
: to change in character or condition : convert
2
: to subject to mathematical transformation
3
: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation
transformable adjective

transform

2 of 2

noun

trans·​form ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce transform (audio)
1
: a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation
2
3
: a linguistic structure (such as a sentence) produced by means of a transformation
"the duckling is killed by the farmer" is a transform of "the farmer kills the duckling"
Choose the Right Synonym for transform

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.

transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

Examples of transform in a Sentence

Verb A little creativity can transform an ordinary meal into a special event. The old factory has been transformed into an art gallery.
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.
Verb
Launched in December 2024, Veo 2 transforms text prompts into high-quality videos up to 4K resolution. Charlie Fink, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, or PURA, will be transformed into a quasi-public authority and the current PURA chair, Marissa Gillett, will continue in her position as chief regulator of whatever agency rules. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025 Garrett would transform the Eagles' defense into something even more fierce. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 Here’s how the company transforms its premium olives into an oil that can take the heat (while maintaining some of the antioxidants and omegas that make olive oil a go-to choice). Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transform

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transform. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

transform

verb
trans·​form
tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm
1
a
: to change completely in composition, structure, or character
b
: to change in outward appearance
2
: to substitute for or change (a mathematical expression) into another using a mathematical rule
transformative
-ˈfȯr-mət-iv
adjective

Medical Definition

transform

transitive verb
trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce transform (audio)
: to cause to change: as
a
: to change (a current) in potential (as from high voltage to low) or in type (as from alternating to direct)
b
: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!