diagram

1 of 3

noun

di·​a·​gram ˈdī-ə-ˌgram 

1

: a graphic design that explains rather than represents

especially : a drawing that shows arrangement and relations (as of parts)

2

: a line drawing made for mathematical or scientific purposes

diagrammable

ˈdī-ə-ˌgra-mə-bəl 

adjective

diagrammatic

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-tik 

adjective

or less commonly diagrammatical

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-ti-kəl 

diagrammatically

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

diagram

2 of 3

verb

diagrammed or diagramed ˈdī-ə-ˌgramd  ; diagramming or diagraming ˈdī-ə-ˌgra-miŋ 

transitive verb

: to represent by or put into the form of a diagram

diagram a sentence

diagram a football play

diagrammatic

3 of 3

adjective

di·​a·​gram·​mat·​ic ¦dīəgrə¦mat|ik 

-mat|, 

|ēk

variants or less commonly diagrammatical

|ə̇kəl 

|ēk-

: being or relating to a diagram : showing by diagram : graphic

diagrammatically

|ə̇k(ə)lē 

|ēk-, 

-li

adverb

Synonyms of diagram

Noun

• illustration
• graphic
• visual

Examples of diagram in a Sentence

Noun

a diagram of the nervous system

This diagram shows how the clock operates.

Verb

The coach diagrammed the new play on the blackboard.

The students were required to diagram a sentence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 helps users create professional diagrams that make information easier to understand and share. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026

Treatment plans can be displayed on screens instead of explained through diagrams and estimates. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 June 2026

Verb

Hurley could’ve called a timeout, diagrammed a play. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

For one night, the coach known for her edge and emotion wasn’t diagramming plays for the longtime NBA coach. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek diagramma, from diagraphein to mark out by lines, from dia- + graphein to write — more at carve

Adjective

diagram + -atic, -atical (as in epigrammatic, epigrammatical)

First Known Use

Noun

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1785, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diagram

• Argand diagram
• block diagram
• flow diagram
• scatter diagram
• Venn diagram

Rhymes for diagram

• abram
• ashram
• buckram
• doorjamb
• exam
• goddam
• grandam
• priam
• program
• programme
• wolfram
• abraham

Kids Definition

diagram

1 of 2 noun

di·​a·​gram ˈdī-ə-ˌgram 

: a drawing, sketch, plan, or chart that makes something clearer or easier to understand

diagrammatic

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈmat-ik 

adjective

also diagrammatical

-ˈmat-i-kəl 

diagrammatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

diagram

2 of 2 verb

diagrammed or diagramed

-ˌgramd

; diagramming or diagraming

-ˌgram-iŋ

: to represent by or put into the form of a diagram

diagram a sentence

diagrammed a football play