diagram

1 of 2

noun

di·​a·​gram ˈdī-ə-ˌgram 

1

: a graphic design that explains rather than represents

especially : a drawing that shows arrangement and relations (as of parts)

2

: a line drawing made for mathematical or scientific purposes

diagrammable

ˈdī-ə-ˌgra-mə-bəl 

adjective

diagrammatic

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-tik 

adjective

or less commonly diagrammatical

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-ti-kəl 

diagrammatically

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

diagram

2 of 2

verb

diagrammed or diagramed ˈdī-ə-ˌgramd  ; diagramming or diagraming ˈdī-ə-ˌgra-miŋ 

transitive verb

: to represent by or put into the form of a diagram

diagram a sentence

diagram a football play

Synonyms

Noun

• illustration
• graphic
• visual

Examples of diagram in a Sentence

Noun

a diagram of the nervous system

This diagram shows how the clock operates.

Verb

The coach diagrammed the new play on the blackboard.

The students were required to diagram a sentence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Visual learners respond best when information is presented with pictures, diagrams, symbols and colors, and tools like flashcards. —Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Near the end of the video, the unseen cameraperson flips the notebook to a page containing a diagram of the church and stabs the diagram with a knife. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Aug. 2025

Verb

Even as Westman carefully plotted out the attack, writing as recently as last week about visiting the church, diagramming the interior and testing out weapons, the shooter also hinted at a desire to be caught. —Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

Check out the gallery for more images of this unique bike, and some diagrams Kent's put together showing some of the physics concepts behind the design. —Loz Blain august 04, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek diagramma, from diagraphein to mark out by lines, from dia- + graphein to write — more at carve

First Known Use

Noun

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1785, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diagram

• Argand diagram
• block diagram
• flow diagram
• scatter diagram
• Venn diagram

Rhymes for diagram

• abraham
• anagram
• cablegram
• cofferdam
• dendrogram
• diaphragm
• epigram
• hexagram
• histogram
• hologram
• instagram
• kilogram

Kids Definition

diagram

1 of 2 noun

di·​a·​gram ˈdī-ə-ˌgram 

: a drawing, sketch, plan, or chart that makes something clearer or easier to understand

diagrammatic

ˌdī-ə-grə-ˈmat-ik 

adjective

also diagrammatical

-ˈmat-i-kəl 

diagrammatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

diagram

2 of 2 verb

diagrammed or diagramed

-ˌgramd

; diagramming or diagraming

-ˌgram-iŋ

: to represent by or put into the form of a diagram

diagram a sentence

diagrammed a football play