diagram

1 of 3

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 3

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

diagrammatic

3 of 3

adjective

di·​a·​gram·​mat·​ic ¦dīəgrə¦mat|ik 

-mat|, 

|ēk

variants or less commonly diagrammatical

|ə̇kəl 

|ēk-

: being or relating to a diagram : showing by diagram : graphic

diagrammatically

|ə̇k(ə)lē 

|ēk-, 

-li

adverb

Synonyms of diagram

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

Rather than solving puzzles one by one, Tao began sketching out a rough diagram that showed how different possible algebraic laws relate to one another. —Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026

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

Verb

Hurley could’ve called a timeout, diagrammed a play. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

For one night, the coach known for her edge and emotion wasn’t diagramming plays for the longtime NBA coach. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Adjective

diagram + -atic, -atical (as in epigrammatic, epigrammatical)

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

• 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