by definition
idiom
: because of what something or someone is : according to the definition of a word that is being used to describe someone or something
A volunteer by definition is not paid.
A glider is by definition an aircraft with no engine.
Examples of by definition in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With the policy finalized, New York City public schools — the nation’s largest district — is now by definition also the most sweeping system to prohibit cellphones in recent years, after Los Angeles Unified implemented its ban over the winter.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
Temporary Protected Status, by definition, is temporary and committed to the discretion of the DHS Secretary.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Because these models, by definition, tend to be unpredictable.
—Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Original reporting, by definition, doesn’t already exist in AI.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for by definition
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
Temporary Protected Status, by definition, is temporary and committed to the discretion of the DHS Secretary.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Because these models, by definition, tend to be unpredictable.
—Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Original reporting, by definition, doesn’t already exist in AI.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for by definition
Cite this Entry
“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share