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

Another showed string lights crisscrossing the ceiling of the crawl space, illuminating the area. —Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Once the sun goes down, the park will be illuminated, allowing families to enjoy the park in a new way, including complimentary snacks and exclusive experiences. —Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

At the heart of the villa is a striking staircase that unfurls through all three levels, elegantly illuminated by custom light fixtures suspended from the triple-height ceiling. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025

The moment illuminated Templeton’s character. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Sep. 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