1
a
: a representation usually on a flat surface of the whole or a part of an area
b
: a representation of the celestial sphere or a part of it
c
: a diagram or other visual representation that shows the relative position of the parts of something
Doctors use the images to construct a detailed three-dimensional map of the patient's brain …—
Discover
Discover2
: something that represents with a clarity suggestive of a map
The Freudian map of the mind …—Harold Bloom
Harold Bloom3
: the arrangement of genes on a chromosome
called also genetic map
see also:
mapped; mapping
1
a
: to make a map of
map the surface of the moon
b
: to delineate as if on a map
sorrow was mapped on her face
c
: to make a survey of for or as if for the purpose of making a map
d
: to assign (something, such as a set or an element) in a mathematical or exact correspondence
map picture elements to video memory
2
: to plan in detail
—often used with out
map out a program
3
: to locate (a gene) on a chromosome
1
of a gene
: to be located
2
: to be assigned in a relation or connection
The major problems confronting humankind … do not map well onto the traditional disciplines.—Philip W. Porter
Philip W. Porter
mapper
noun
modified American plan
Examples of map in a Sentence
Noun
a map of the country
different maps of the world
“Can you find where we are on the map?” “Sorry: I'm no good at reading maps.”
“How do I get to the station?” “Here, let me draw you a map.”
a map of the brain
Verb
The coastline was mapped by early explorers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 June 2026
The journey is meant to revive a sea route not used for 300 years, and one that in the past could’ve been considered nearly impossible –– given the lack of maps and the crude vessels early navigators of the Bashi Channel once used.
—Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Each mission covers thousands of miles surrounding hurricanes as researchers aboard map the movement of storms.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for map
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The city said residents can view an interactive map of mosquito activity, virus testing results and trap zones on VDCI's website.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 June 2026
The journey is meant to revive a sea route not used for 300 years, and one that in the past could’ve been considered nearly impossible –– given the lack of maps and the crude vessels early navigators of the Bashi Channel once used.
—Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Verb
Step back to map your tasks and set a kinder pace for your body.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Each mission covers thousands of miles surrounding hurricanes as researchers aboard map the movement of storms.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for map
Cite this Entry
“Map.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/map. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
map
1 of 2 noun1
: a drawing or picture showing selected features of an area (as the surface of the earth or the moon or a section of the brain) and usually drawn to a given scale
2
: a drawing or picture of the sky showing the position of stars and planets
map
2 of 2 verb
mapped; mapping
1
: to make a map of
map the city
2
: to chart the course of : plan in detail
—often used with out
map out a campaign
mapper
noun
Medical Definition
map
1 of 2 noun
: the arrangement of genes on a chromosome
called also genetic map
map
2 of 2 verb
mapped; mapping
: to locate (a gene) on a chromosome
mutants which have been genetically mapped
of a gene
: to be located
a repressor maps near the corresponding structural gene
Biographical Definition
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