delineation

noun

de·​lin·​ea·​tion di-ˌli-nē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce delineation (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of delineationnext
1
: the act of outlining or representing something with lines or words : the act of delineating
the delineation of a scene
… the delineation of the territories allotted to the seven tribes of Israel …Adam Nicholson
2
: something made by delineating
… a more photographic delineation of low life.T. S. Eliot
delineative adjective

Examples of delineation in a Sentence

his simple but striking delineations of Dutch landscapes a finely wrought delineation of a young woman's first experience with romantic love
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On top of that, Brewer and Brooks have the opportunity to get the security of a multi-year contract ahead of turning 30 years old, which is often the line of delineation for a NFL career. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 Its characters all have their own motivations, some stranger than others (all of which keep things mighty interesting), but as Season 5 progresses, there’s a clear delineation between people who make choices with intention and people who make choices on impulse. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026 In 2022, an agreement was struck between Lebanon and Israel to finalize the delineation of our maritime borders. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 Specifically focusing on using built-ins to help create delineation between spaces can add both form and function to open floor plans. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delineation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dēlīneātiōn-, dēlīneātiō "description," from Latin dēlīneāre "to trace the outline of, delineate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of delineation was in 1570

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Cite this Entry

“Delineation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delineation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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