diagram

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

Examples of diagram in a Sentence

The coach diagrammed the new play on the blackboard.

The students were required to diagram a sentence.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The Dallas native has always been fascinated by on-court strategy, even getting kicked out of sixth-grade English class for diagramming plays in his textbook. —Brendan Marks, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Lowell whipped out a pen and paper and attempted to diagram how to fold the topsail. —Michael Waters, New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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