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by definition

Definition of by definition

: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.

Word by Word Definitions

definition play

: an act of determining
: a statement expressing the essential nature of something
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol

See the full definition of definition

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up by definition? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

anathematize

play

to curse or denounce

Words at Play

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'Meat Sweats': The Competitive Eater's Worst Nightmare

They're real, but is meat the cause?

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'Diffuse' vs. 'Defuse'

Let us defuse the situation.

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

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True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

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Citation

Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?

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