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definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 
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
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
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 on the Web
Haberman recommended defining freestanding birthing centers in the local Land Development Code — pulling the definition from the new state law — and placing the centers under the umbrella of medical clinics.
—Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Prenups force couples to agree on that definition, perhaps even setting terms for an open marriage or other relationship boundaries.
—Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
The legislation seeks to align Wisconsin's definition of a service animal with federal law, which primarily recognizes dogs and miniature horses.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Ku, of George Washington University, says part of the confusion is over the definition of who is and who isn't undocumented.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definition
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Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Prenups force couples to agree on that definition, perhaps even setting terms for an open marriage or other relationship boundaries.
—Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
The legislation seeks to align Wisconsin's definition of a service animal with federal law, which primarily recognizes dogs and miniature horses.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Ku, of George Washington University, says part of the confusion is over the definition of who is and who isn't undocumented.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for definition
Cite this Entry
“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən
1
: an act of determining or settling the limits
2
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
b
: the action or process of defining
3
a
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
b
Medical Definition
definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
the definition of a microscope lens
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