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 property may include a preservation easement — a voluntary legal arrangement between a property owner and a qualified organization to protect the home from alteration or demolition. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025 Some players might need mechanical tweaks, others might need an alteration to their game plan against a certain pitcher. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Newgarden car and teammate Will Power’s were sent to the back of the Indy 500 lineup for after violating IndyCar rules with alterations to their cars’ attenuators during May 18 qualifications. Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Any alteration would mean the bill would have to be considered by a conference committee to reconcile the differences. Tracy J. Wholf july 1, CBS News, 1 July 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 18 Jul. 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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