diagram

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

Synonyms of diagram

• illustration
• graphic
• visual

Examples of diagram in a Sentence

a diagram of the nervous system

This diagram shows how the clock operates.

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, a teacher might give a math lesson using blocks, a diagram and a video to help impress the same lesson upon diverse learners. —Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 4 June 2026

Plotted on a Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram, the data suggested that even in large stellar populations, stars do not always fall into perfectly smooth patterns. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 4 June 2026

There is a famous diagram of Napoleon’s march to Moscow, popularized by the designer Edward Tufte. —Darshak Sanghavi, STAT, 3 June 2026

The collector vehicle is lowered by a cable, and the nodules are returned to the surface in a separate pipe; for simplicity, the diagrams in this article do not show both at the same time. —Harry Stevens, New York Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diagram

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

Rhymes for diagram

• abram
• ashram
• buckram
• doorjamb
• exam
• goddam
• grandam
• priam
• program
• programme
• wolfram
• abraham

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