illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
 also  i-ˈlə-
illustrated; illustrating

transitive verb

1
a
: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance
c
: to make clear : clarify
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
3
obsolete
a
b
: to light up
4
a
archaic : to make illustrious
b obsolete
(1)
: to make bright
(2)
: adorn

intransitive verb

: to give an example or instance
illustrator
ˈi-lə-ˌstrā-tər How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
 also  i-ˈlə-
noun

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field. Please give a few examples to illustrate your point. The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt. The students will write and illustrate their own stories.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Though Combs denied the allegation, the incident illustrates how some individuals may attempt to exert control over their current or former partners, even through intimidation or violence, to prevent them from forming new relationships. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes. Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 Syria's leader accused Israel on Thursday of sowing discord with a wave of intense airstrikes following deadly sectarian clashes that threatened the country's fragile unity and illustrated its neighbor's capacity to attack across the region. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 17 July 2025 The episode illustrated the power of China's dominance over the industry. Emily Feng, NPR, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrate

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of illustrate was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb
il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
il-ˈəs-
illustrated; illustrating
1
: to make clear by using examples
illustrated his point with a personal experience
2
a
: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to serve as an illustration
illustrator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on illustrate

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