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.

Synonyms of explanation

• 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

Predicting pink Dig a little deeper, and another possible explanation for the abundance of pink at the tournament emerges. — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Much of the international media dutifully reported Russia’s explanation alongside reports of the attack, creating the impression that responsibility remained genuinely uncertain and that both narratives deserved roughly equal consideration. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

While several possible explanations for the Galactic Center Excess have been put forward, including a population of rapidly spinning neutron stars called pulsars, one of the most prevalent has been a specific type of dark matter particle. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2026

How could this require further explanation, let alone starting over from the beginning? — Ben Lerner, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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