Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

high-definition

adjective high-def·i·ni·tion \ ˈhī-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən \

Definition of high-definition

: being or relating to an often digital television system that has either 720 or 1080 scan lines per frame and a wide-screen format
—

high definition

noun
    • a program broadcast in high definition

See high-definition defined for English-language learners

See high-definition defined for kids

First Known Use of high-definition

1981

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

HIGH-DEFINITION Defined for English Language Learners

high-definition

adjective

Definition of high-definition for English Language Learners

  • of a television : having a very clear picture and a wide screen

Learn More about high-definition

  1. See words that rhyme with high-definition

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up high-definition? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

play

to oppose successfully

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

high-definition

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games