illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 

 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

: enlighten

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 

 also  i-ˈlə-

noun

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• explain

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

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

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

Rhymes for illustrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt 

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

-ˌtrāt-ər 

noun