illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 

also i-ˈlə-

illustrated; illustrating

transitive verb

1

a

: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance

personal experiences illustrated his point

c

: to make clear : clarify

illustrate a difficult subject

2

: to show clearly : demonstrate

recent events illustrate the need for change

3

obsolete

a

: enlighten

b

: to light up

4

a

archaic : to make illustrious

b obsolete

(1)

: to make bright

(2)

: adorn

intransitive verb

: to give an example or instance

illustrator

ˈi-lə-ˌstrā-tər 

also i-ˈlə-

noun

Synonyms of illustrate

• demonstrate
• explain

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.

Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.

The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.

The students will write and illustrate their own stories.

Recent Examples on the Web

Northwestern’s appeal illustrates an increasingly common applicant mindset. — Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

This old-meets-new styling illustrates how the brand’s design language has evolved and reflects how consumers are increasingly incorporating vintage denim into their closets. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

That fact was starkly illustrated by the war in Iran, which saw Tehran effectively close the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and Washington respond with a blockade of Iranian ports. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Larraín offered an interesting perspective and used his experience with Sundance, where Pijama was first launched, to illustrate his point. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Rhymes for illustrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt 

il-ˈəs-

illustrated; illustrating

1

: to make clear by using examples

illustrated his point with a personal experience

2

a

: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to serve as an illustration

illustrator

-ˌtrāt-ər 

noun