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

Together, the artworks in the exhibition illuminate critical aspects of Ringgold’s practice and convey how Ringgold, a lifelong educator, presents children as creative, purposeful art makers. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

That process gradually cleared the dense fog, allowing starlight to travel freely through space and illuminating the cosmos for the first time. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025

And as long as the cameras keep rolling, the stories keep surfacing – illuminated by the glow of smartphone screens that refuse to look away. —Allissa V. Richardson, The Conversation, 18 June 2025

Defiant by Nature’s mission is to illuminate stories that speak to the heart- especially from women and non-binary creators. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 June 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