SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

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

adversity

play

serious difficulty or misfortune

Words at Play

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Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Where did we get 'freshman' and 'sophomore'?

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The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

In the past, you could invent fruit.

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I'll Have the Us(ual)

Shortening 'usual': easy to say, hard to spell

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The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

From the front hallways to the back rooms

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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The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these things doesn't belong?

Take the quiz

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Forms of Government Quiz

Name that government! Or something like that.

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True or False?

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

Take the quiz

Bee Cubed

Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.

Play the game