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

The convertible, part of the company's new Coachbuild Collection, will be unabashedly costly and extravagant -- Rolls-Royce's CEO Chris Brownridge is coy about the price when asked -- and illustrates how the 120-year-old brand continues to reinvent itself. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 May 2026

While Simmons and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea were childhood friends, the former’s hire in Nashville illustrates the high regard that some in the greater football community are affording select members of the media. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

For Tummala, the connection between seasonal allergies and growing climate hazards further illustrates the already pressing need for action to mitigate global warming. —Keerti Gopal, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026

The invitation of private equity illustrates the cash challenge that most of the universities that participate in the highest level of major NCAA athletics are juggling like a litter of hungry dogs. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 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
• 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