il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
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
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
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
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
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The scariest episode of this Doctor Who season also was an illuminating one, for showrunner Russell T Davies.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 23 Apr. 2025
With a talented eye for lighting, Villarreal has installed statement pieces throughout the apartment that add warmth and drama, including a glittering 40-inch disco ball that illuminates the living room like a discotheque.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Reuther’s advocacy illuminates how free trade wasn’t the villain in the story of deindustrialization that it has long been made out to be.
— Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Another recent progress photo taken on April 14 using one of the live webcams on site captured the bright Milky Way flowing above the telescope's dome, illuminated by stars shining in the night sky.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The scariest episode of this Doctor Who season also was an illuminating one, for showrunner Russell T Davies.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 23 Apr. 2025
With a talented eye for lighting, Villarreal has installed statement pieces throughout the apartment that add warmth and drama, including a glittering 40-inch disco ball that illuminates the living room like a discotheque.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Reuther’s advocacy illuminates how free trade wasn’t the villain in the story of deindustrialization that it has long been made out to be.
— Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share