distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən 

1

: the act of perceiving someone or something as being not the same and often treating as separate or different : the distinguishing of a difference

without distinction as to race, sex, or religion

also : the difference distinguished

the distinction between imply and infer

2

: something that distinguishes

regional distinctions

3

: the quality or state of being distinguishable

no distinction of facial features in the twins

4

a

: the quality or state of being excellent or superior : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy

a politician of some distinction

b

: special honor or recognition

took a law degree with distinction

won many distinctions

c

: an accomplishment that sets one apart

holds the distinction of being the only American to win the prize

5

a

: class sense 4

Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction.

—Edmund Wilson

b

archaic : division

Synonyms

• excellence
• excellency

Examples of distinction in a Sentence

There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.

She made a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”

He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.

Her talents gave distinction to the work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stein elaborates, drawing a distinction between highly skilled white-collar migrants, people including Alexander Hamilton, Albert Einstein and Elon Musk, and those who would in his view take jobs away from American low-wage workers. —Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 23 June 2025

There’s a distinction to be made between collaboration and cooperation. —Brendan O’Meara 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

Cardinals first baseman Wilson Contreras struck out four times Saturday in St. Louis’ 6-5 win over the Reds and earned a special distinction. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025

Featuring mid-scale buildable models of the most iconic Star Wars ships, including the Millennium Falcon and the Tantive IV, which holds the distinction of being the first ever starship to appear in a Star Wars movie. —Paul Brett, Space.com, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5b

Phrases Containing distinction

• with distinction

Rhymes for distinction

• extinction
• contradistinction
• tinction

Kids Definition

distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən 

1

a

: the seeing or pointing out of a difference

b

: difference sense 1

the distinction between good and evil

2

: something that makes a person or thing special or different

the distinction of being the oldest house in the city

3

a

: particular excellence

served with distinction

b

: special honor or recognition