Definition of define
defined;
defining
transitive verb
1 a
:to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of
- whatever defines us as human
b
:to discover and set forth the meaning of (something, such as a word)
- how the dictionary defines "grotesque"
c
:to create on a computer
- define a window
- define a procedure
2 a
:to fix or mark the limits of :demarcate
- rigidly defined property lines
b
:to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline
- the issues aren't too well defined
- eyes defined by mascara
3
:characterize, distinguish
- you define yourself by the choices you make
- —Denison Univ. Bull.
- the moment that defined the campaign
intransitive verb
:to make a definition (see definition 2b)
