explanation
noun
ex·pla·na·tion
ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: the act or process of explaining
declined without any explanation
The company offered little by way of explanation for the problems. [=as a way of explaining why there were problems]
2
: something that explains
The professor's explanation was that the poem was really a parody.
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
Siple notes that many are drawn to the clarity of her explanations, particularly those who prefer a structured and analytical understanding of how the mind functions.
—
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Because of his ability to appeal to jurors with at times folksy explanations of gruesome subjects like the dynamic of blood spatter, prosecution and defense lawyers competed for his testimony at trials.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Social Media Had Its Own Theory After word of the discovery spread, many Richland County residents took to social media with a different explanation.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
In both cases, no explanation was given for their removal.
—Tom Bowman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
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Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Because of his ability to appeal to jurors with at times folksy explanations of gruesome subjects like the dynamic of blood spatter, prosecution and defense lawyers competed for his testimony at trials.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Social Media Had Its Own Theory After word of the discovery spread, many Richland County residents took to social media with a different explanation.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
In both cases, no explanation was given for their removal.
—Tom Bowman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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