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

Their debate illustrated the way the right has frayed without Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during a Turning Point event on the Utah Valley University campus in September. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025

The incident didn’t just illustrate the danger of extremists hiding within Syria’s new security forces. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025

As work by Richard Primack has dramatically illustrated, Thoreau’s charts of seasonal phenomena are also linked to larger, more collective losses. —Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025

Phillip Toth’s professional journey illustrates a broader philosophy that balances expertise, adaptability, and thoughtful risk management. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 16 Dec. 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