mediation

noun

me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce mediation (audio)
: the act or process of mediating: such as
a
: intervention between conflicting parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise
The town feud raged until April … when, with the mediation of William N. Byers the dispute was settled and the name of Denver selected for the settlement.Thomas A. Martin
specifically : a means of resolving disputes outside of the judicial system by voluntary participation in negotiations structured by agreement of the parties and usually conducted under the guidance and supervision of a trained intermediary
More couples are considering mediation—or using a mediator to help them reach a compromise—rather than hiring two lawyers who fight it out for their clients. Mary Rowland
b
: indirect conveyance or communication through an intermediary
Islam recognizes no ordination, no sacraments, no priestly mediation between the believer and God.Bernard Lewis
Like any of the other emporiums of the western ocean, Mogadishu had plenty of employment for the commercial brokers … who provided the crucial mediation between the arriving sea merchants and the local wholesalers.Ross E. Dunn
c
: transmission by an intermediate mechanism or agency
The critical role of the hippocampus in the mediation of normal memory processes has been highlighted by the observation that in human patients bilateral damage to the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus, produces an extensive and durable amnesia for new information.Raymond P. Kesner et al.
mediational adjective

Examples of mediation in a Sentence

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.
Paramount is currently engaged in mediation talks with Trump’s attorneys, who recently rejected a $15 million settlement offer and threatened further litigation, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week. Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 30 May 2025 Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said Russia is grateful to Trump for his mediation efforts. Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 Meanwhile, Paramount and Trump began mediation talks earlier this month as Paramount owner Shari Redstone wants to settle with Trump, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed sources. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 The Beastie Boys’ impending settlement follows mediation between the parties this month; terms of the agreement have not been revealed. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mediation

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mediation was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mediation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mediation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

mediation

noun
me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmēd-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce mediation (audio)
: the act or process of mediating something (as a physical process)
mediational adjective

Legal Definition

mediation

noun
me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce mediation (audio)
: nonbinding intervention between parties to promote resolution of a grievance, reconciliation, settlement, or compromise compare arbitration
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!