description

noun

de·​scrip·​tion di-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce description (audio)
1
a
: an act of describing
specifically : discourse intended to give a mental image of something experienced
beautiful beyond description
gave an accurate description of what he saw
b
: a statement or account giving the characteristics of someone or something : a descriptive statement or account
The review was little more than a description of the film's plot.
2
: kind or character especially as determined by salient (see salient entry 1 sense 3b) features
someone fitting the suspect's description
had toys of every description
opposed to any tax of so radical a description
Choose the Right Synonym for description

type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities.

type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

Examples of description in a Sentence

Reporters called the scene “a disaster area,” and I think that was an accurate description. I applied for the position after reading the job description. a writer with a gift of description
Recent Examples on the Web Mirasol faces separate federal and state indictments Content warning: The following article contains disturbing descriptions. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Programs that might meet this description include Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and Health Reimbursement Arrangement accounts. Mia Taylor, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Here's a short description of each candidate and a list of notable endorsements for each: Niraj Antani Antani, 33, of Miamisburg, has served 10 years in the Ohio General Assembly, first as a state representative and currently as a state senator. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2024 No description of the suspect has been released and police did not confirm a description of the car mentioned by the officer at the scene or whether officers were in pursuit of the vehicle. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Mar. 2024 Records from early medieval Japan document numerous descriptions of spirit possession, usually blamed on spirits of the dead. Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 Flexible job descriptions, hybrid roles and embracing remote work wherever possible result in a significantly broader talent pool and, ultimately, in a workforce with diverse experiences and a broader set of skills. Rafael Castaneda, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Office Technician — Typing Brief description: Clerical workers for Cal-OSHA perform critical duties that keep the division running smoothly. Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 22 Feb. 2024 The product descriptions, targeted at state security clientele, at times use wartime language to describe a data-extraction mission underpinned by extreme threats to China’s national security. Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'description.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English descripcioun, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin description-, descriptio, from describere — see describe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of description was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near description

Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/description. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

description

noun
de·​scrip·​tion di-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce description (audio)
1
: an account of something
especially : an account that presents a picture to a person who reads or hears it
2
: sort entry 1 sense 1a, kind
people of every description
Etymology

Middle English descripcioun "description," from early French descripcioun and Latin description-, descriptio (both, same meaning), from Latin describere "to describe," from de- "down" and scribere "to write" — related to scribe

Legal Definition

description

noun
de·​scrip·​tion
: a representation in words of the nature and characteristics of a thing: as
a
: a specification of the boundaries of a piece of land (as for a deed)
b
: an explanation of an invention in a patent application or printed publication

More from Merriam-Webster on description

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!