explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: something that explains

gave no explanation

Synonyms

• interpretation
• illustration
• clarification

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.

an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

Recent Examples on the Web

That was the response from some Leeds United fans when this week’s transfer window explanation was published. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

In 2017, Huffman gave a nuanced, principled explanation of his self-description as a humanist, or non-theist. —David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

These were nearly always approved, even though the agency wrote that finances were an insufficient explanation in a presentation on the permitting process. —ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025

Ars reached out to Google for an explanation, receiving a cryptic and somewhat unsatisfying reply. —Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explanation

• by way of explanation

Rhymes for explanation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: a statement that makes something clear