definition

noun

def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
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 adjective

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 Translation: Less trauma to the skin, no perceptible scarring, longer-lasting results (up to 15 years), and improved definition—that key indicator of success—throughout the jaw, cheeks, chin, and neck. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 The original House bill used the organization’s definition, which its author has since warned against using in law. Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 While knowing the spelling of allowable words is a necessity, knowing their definitions doesn’t matter to some players. Joe Heim, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 At a glance, Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 campaign for president was the definition of quixotic. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024 Their definition of beauty that was once physical has now been transformed internally by love and bond that can never be fully explained. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 This has included supporting projects that don’t always fit the classic (Western) definition of a monument. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The issue, says Silvia Dal Bianco, an economist at University College London, is that bitcoin defies easy definition. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024 The core debate around the bill had been the IHRA definition and examples attached to it. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near definition

Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
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

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