definition

noun def·i·ni·tion \ ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən \

Definition of definition

1 a : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol

dictionary definitions

b : a statement expressing the essential nature of something

c : a product of defining

2 : the action or process of stating the meaning of a word or word group

3 a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear

the definition of a telescope

her comic genius is beyond definition

b (1) : clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail

improve the definition of an image

(2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction

c : sharp demarcation of outlines or limits

a jacket with distinct waist definition

4 : an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma

—

definitional

play \-ˈni-shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See definition defined for English-language learners

See definition defined for kids

Examples of definition in a Sentence

For the last eight years or so, I've been watching the evolution of bikes made for women. At the beginning of that time, there were a small number of women's bikes available, most offered with low-end, sometimes no-name, spec, as if by definition all women riders were beginners. —Christine Bucher, Bicycling, March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatier, but she takes the definition of artisan to a higher level. —Amy Johansson, Chocolatier, February/March 2006
One kind of poverty is that of the imagination—the inability to envision a future truly different from the present. Jasmine had long judged people based on whether or not they gave her food and clothing, but, as she watched Carolyn and Gus and other families, she found herself mulling different gauges of worth. She'd been working lately on a definition of love. —Katherine Boo, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2005
Ideology thus provides definition of both systemic reality and values: it provides a set of preconceptions of what is and of what ought to be. —Warren J. Samuels, Modern Economic Thought, (1977) 1993
What is the legal definition of a corporation?
A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation.
a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors

Recent Examples of definition from the Web

In many cases, a voter's definition -- and the numerous questions that come from that -- has led to a different selection.

— cleveland.com, "Why LeBron James isn't the 2017-18 MVP: Chris Fedor," 10 Apr. 2018
The definition of subject being that the president is under investigation but there is not sufficient evidence to bring charges.

— Fox News, "EPA chief Pruitt addresses criticism in Fox News interview," 5 Apr. 2018
According to the federal government's definition, a crime is classified as terrorism only if it is politically motivated.

— phil helsel /, NBC News, "Austin bomber was 'domestic terrorist,' police chief says," 30 Mar. 2018
By every definition, Derek Jeter’s first Opening Day in the Majors was a smash hit.

— clark spencer, miamiherald, "Derek Jeter won’t be in the lineup for Opening Day, but the goal remains the same | Miami Herald," 28 Mar. 2018
For the pagan-inclined, there’s a second definition: the fourth full moon in a three-month season, which has further astrological significance.

— meirav devash, Allure, "10 Lunar-Inspired Beauty Products to Celebrate 2018's Last Blue Moon," 28 Mar. 2018
Comfort food is, almost by definition, the food that reminds you of home.

— dominic armato, azcentral, "Burek, bread, baklava: 3 Balkan bakeries and restaurants for some of the best comfort food in Phoenix," 28 Mar. 2018
Written by the league's Competition Committee, the new rule was meant to simply the catch definition, and in simple terms, an NFL player must meet three criteria to make a reception.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "'What's a catch?' has a new answer in the NFL," 27 Mar. 2018
So by that definition, sure, stevia is derived from nature, but so are cocaine and heroin.

— kate morgan, The Cut, "Is Stevia Better for You Than Sugar?," 26 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'definition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of definition

Middle English diffinicioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin definition-, definitio, from definire — see define

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

definition Synonyms

Synonyms

delineation, depiction, description, picture, portrait, portraiture, portrayal, rendering, sketch, vignette;

demonstration, exemplification, illustration;

clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition;

DEFINITION Defined for English Language Learners

definition

noun

Definition of definition for English Language Learners

: an explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc. : a statement that defines a word, phrase, etc.
: a statement that describes what something is
: a clear or perfect example of a person or thing