illuminate

1 of 3

verb

il·​lu·​mi·​nate i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 

illuminated; illuminating

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to supply or brighten with light

(2)

: to make luminous or shining

b

: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually

c

: to subject to radiation

d

archaic : to set alight

2

a

: to make clear : elucidate

b

: to bring to the fore : highlight

a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are

3

: to make illustrious or resplendent

4

: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures

illuminator

i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnā-tər 

noun

illuminate

2 of 3

adjective

il·​lu·​mi·​nate i-ˈlü-mə-nət 

1

archaic : brightened with light

2

archaic : intellectually or spiritually enlightened

illuminate

3 of 3

noun

il·​lu·​mi·​nate i-ˈlü-mə-nət 

archaic

: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment

Synonyms

Verb

• illumine
• light

Examples of illuminate in a Sentence

Verb

the part of the moon illuminated by the sun

A university study has illuminated the problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

During Diwali, homes are illuminated with small lanterns, a symbol of light overcoming darkness. —Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2025

From the illuminating uptown skyline to the roar of professional sports venues, Charlotteans see a signature palette that tells a complex story of branding, history and civic pride. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025

The Blurring Under-Eye Powder comes in seven shades, with two new shades, peach and amber, made to smooth texture, blur fine lines and pores and illuminate medium to deep complexions. —Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

In animal form, their eyes may glow red when illuminated, adding to their fearsome reputation. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin illuminatus, past participle of illuminare, from in- + luminare to light up, from lumin-, lumen light — more at luminary

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1602, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for illuminate

• aluminate

Kids Definition

illuminate

verb

il·​lu·​mi·​nate

il-ˈü-mə-ˌnāt

illuminated; illuminating

1

: to supply with light : light up

illuminate a room

the part of the moon illuminated by the sun

2

: to make clear : explain

illuminated the point with good examples

3

: to decorate with designs or pictures in gold or colors

illuminate a manuscript

illuminative

-ˌnāt-iv

adjective

illuminator

-ˌnāt-ər

noun