illustrate

1 of 2

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

illustrator

2 of 2

noun

il·​lus·​tra·​tor ˈiləˌstrātə(r) 

-ātə- also ə̇ˈləˌs-

plural -s

: one that illustrates

specifically : an artist that makes illustrations (as for books, magazines, advertising copy)

Synonyms of illustrate

Verb

• demonstrate
• explain

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The second prototype was a wearable bracelet that changed color by circulating fluid through adaptive materials, illustrating how the technology could be used in smart clothing or responsive displays that alter their appearance on demand. —New Atlas, 12 June 2026

Melliti’s performance is one of silent suffering, illustrating Fatima’s deference to her family. —Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

The unanswered questions illustrate the gap. —Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

The Pittsburgh region illustrates the problem with that thinking. —Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Late Latin, from illustratus (past participle of illustrare to illustrate) + -or

First Known Use

Verb

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