Definition Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

definition

noun

def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
Synonyms of definitionnext
1
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
dictionary definitions
b
: a statement expressing the essential nature of something
c
: a product of defining
2
: the action or process of stating the meaning of a word or word group
3
a
: the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear
the definition of a telescope
her comic genius is beyond definition
b(1)
: clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail
improve the definition of an image
(2)
: clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction
c
: sharp demarcation of outlines or limits
a jacket with distinct waist definition
4
: an act of determining
specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
definitional
ˌde-fə-ˈni-shə-nᵊl How to pronounce definition (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of definition in a Sentence

For the last eight years or so, I've been watching the evolution of bikes made for women. At the beginning of that time, there were a small number of women's bikes available, most offered with low-end, sometimes no-name, spec, as if by definition all women riders were beginners. —Christine Bucher, Bicycling, March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatier, but she takes the definition of artisan to a higher level. —Amy Johansson, Chocolatier, February/March 2006
One kind of poverty is that of the imagination—the inability to envision a future truly different from the present. Jasmine had long judged people based on whether or not they gave her food and clothing, but, as she watched Carolyn and Gus and other families, she found herself mulling different gauges of worth. She'd been working lately on a definition of love. —Katherine Boo, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2005
Ideology thus provides definition of both systemic reality and values: it provides a set of preconceptions of what is and of what ought to be. —Warren J. Samuels, Modern Economic Thought, (1977) 1993
What is the legal definition of a corporation? A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation. a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors
Recent Examples on the Web Closed primary definition Voters can only vote in the primary of the party they are registered with in a closed primary election, and are often required to choose a party affiliation on their voter registration form. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 1 Apr. 2024 Multivitamins: There is no specific regulatory definition or standard of what nutrients a children’s multivitamin must contain and at what levels. —Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for definition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'definition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffinicioun, borrowed from Anglo-French diffiniciun, definiciun, borrowed from Latin dēfīnītiōn-, dēfīnītiō "fixing of a boundary, precise description," from dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, define" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

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

Phrases Containing definition

Dictionary Entries Near definition

definite-time

definition

definitive

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

definition

noun
def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce definition (audio)
1
: an act of determining or settling the limits
2
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
b
: the action or process of defining
3
a
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
b
: clarity, distinctness
definitional
-ˈnish-nəl How to pronounce definition (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

definition

noun
def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce definition (audio)
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
the definition of a microscope lens

More from Merriam-Webster on definition

Nglish: Translation of definition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of definition for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about definition

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