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

personal experiences illustrated his point

c

: to make clear : clarify

illustrate a difficult subject

2

: to show clearly : demonstrate

recent events illustrate the need for change

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 of illustrate

• 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

As the debate over College Football Playoff expansion focuses on whether the postseason tournament should grow to 16 or 24 teams, an idea to find middle ground might illustrate just how far apart both sides remain. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The cases illustrate the constraints facing the Lula administration. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Seemingly disconnected except by my mother’s witness, these two events illustrate how tragedies can galvanize change. — Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

Given that Furious has established a track record of taking excellent actors and then swiftly killing them by Catherine’s hand, this reveal might illustrate that Emma (the exemplary Hope Davis) is the next to go. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

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
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

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