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
Dull but significant by definition, the instructional process in the proceedings at this point in any criminal trial is all about establishing parameters.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 June 2025
That’s still considerably more than CO2 (which, by definition, has a GWP of 1), but a whole lot less than R-22.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 25 June 2025
And, of course, celebrity is this lifestyle that by definition is unobtainable.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Municipalities that manage to hold onto their top ratings by definition have the fiscal management and stable revenue streams to back it up.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 20 May 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.
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 June 2025
That’s still considerably more than CO2 (which, by definition, has a GWP of 1), but a whole lot less than R-22.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 25 June 2025
And, of course, celebrity is this lifestyle that by definition is unobtainable.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Municipalities that manage to hold onto their top ratings by definition have the fiscal management and stable revenue streams to back it up.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 20 May 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 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share