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
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The other is a more nebulous worry that programmable money, by definition, erodes individual autonomy.
—
Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Global climate change, by definition, gives no quarter.
—Mike Tidwell, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
That, almost by definition, means fewer internal clashes.
—Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
By denying you the award 16 times, the Oscars have, by definition, withheld.
—Andrew Goldman, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
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Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Global climate change, by definition, gives no quarter.
—Mike Tidwell, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
That, almost by definition, means fewer internal clashes.
—Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
By denying you the award 16 times, the Oscars have, by definition, withheld.
—Andrew Goldman, Vulture, 21 Apr. 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 6 May. 2025.
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