definition

play

noun def·i·ni·tion \ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən\

Definition of definition

1 : an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
2a : a statement expressing the essential nature of somethingb : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol dictionary definitionsc : a product of defining
3 : the action or process of stating the meaning of a word or word group
4a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear the definition of a telescope her comic genius is beyond definitionb (1) : clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail improve the definition of an image (2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproductionc : sharp demarcation of outlines or limits a jacket with distinct waist definition

definitional

play \-ˈni-shə-n^əl\ adjective

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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 some states, like New York, agreeing on even a basic definition of biometrics to include in the proposals was a challenge.

— kartikay mehrotra, Bloomberg.com, "Tech Companies Are Pushing Back Against Biometric Privacy Laws," 20 July 2017
As a player-coach, his playing role is limited by definition.

— teddy bailey, Philly.com, "Allen Iverson does not play in Sunday's BIG3," 16 July 2017
Would the legal definition of securities be broadened to shed some regulatory daylight on widespread activities like shadow banking, peer-to-peer online investment networks and off-balance-sheet wealth management products?

— keith bradsher, New York Times, "Chinese Finance Meeting’s Meager Results Reflect Nation’s Problems," 15 July 2017
Our Mexican friends and neighbors had a different definition: Two tortillas, much paler but also much tastier, folded around grilled or stewed meat, onions, cilantro, maybe salsa.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Be a part of history: Taco Festival comes to Cincinnati," 6 July 2017
States have different definitions of what’s public and what’s private.

— geoff mulvihill, The Seattle Times, "Kobach complains about reports on voting commission," 5 July 2017
A showing of the film on a giant high definition screen with the score performed by the orchestra.

— taylor m. riley, The Courier-Journal, "Lebowski Fest and everything else to do around Louisville this weekend," 5 July 2017
In order to be entered into the OED, a word or definition must satisfy certain evidentiary requirements.

— danielle tcholakian, Longreads, "How Do Words Get Added to the Dictionary?," 29 June 2017
But the problem with these definitions is the broad language and leeway for officer interpretation, which allows officers a special subjective latitude over what force is considered excessive.

— lincoln blades, Teen Vogue, "Outrage Over Police Brutality Shouldn't Require a Dead, Unarmed Body," 28 June 2017

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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DEFINITION Defined for English Language Learners

definition

play

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