illustration

noun

il·​lus·​tra·​tion ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən 

 also  i-ˌlə-

1

: something that serves to illustrate: such as

a

: a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

b

: an example or instance that helps make something clear

2

a

: the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated

b

archaic : the action of making illustrious or honored or distinguished

illustrational

ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

 also  i-ˌlə-

adjective

Synonyms

• diagram
• figure
• graphic
• plate
• visual

Choose the Right Synonym for illustration

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category.

instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Examples of illustration in a Sentence

The illustration on page 30 shows the parts of an engine.

a book with many photographs and illustrations

The illustrations that he provided in his speech were very effective.

They selected photographs to use for the illustration of the book.

Illustration is the key to good communication.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just last week, the group shared some tips on how to tell Sunny and Gizmo apart, complete with a photo illustration identifying both of the chicks at different angles. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Keep reading, or listen to the story » Editor’s Pick Photo illustration by Ricardo Tomás; Source photographs from Getty Is the U.S. Becoming an Autocracy? —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

This photo illustration created in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 2023, shows the logo for Threads, an Instagram app, reflected on its opening page. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025

The illustration shows the teacher bending down to speak with her and apologizing upon realizing she’s made a mistake. —Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing illustration

• by way of illustration

Rhymes for illustration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

illustration

noun

il·​lus·​tra·​tion ˌil-əs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated

2

: an example or instance used to make something clear

3

: a picture or diagram that explains or decorates