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illustration

noun il·lus·tra·tion \ ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən also i-ˌlə- \
|Updated on: 22 Jun 2018

Definition of illustration

1 a : the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated
b archaic : the action of making illustrious or honored or distinguished
2 : something that serves to illustrate: such as
a : an example or instance that helps make something clear
b : a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive
—

illustrational

play \ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl also i-ˌlə-\ adjective

See illustration defined for English-language learners

See illustration defined for kids

Examples of illustration in a Sentence

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

  2. a book with many photographs and illustrations

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

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

  5. Illustration is the key to good communication.

Recent Examples of illustration from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'illustration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of illustration

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
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illustration Synonyms

Synonyms

clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, interpretation;

Related Words

paraphrase, restatement, translation;

annotation, comment, commentary, epexegesis, gloss;

deciphering, decoding;

disentanglement, unscrambling;

analysis;

edification, enlightenment;

definition, meaning;

demonstration, enactment;

justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning;

caution, caveat, warning;

Synonym Discussion of 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

Phrases Related to ILLUSTRATION

Related Phrases

ILLUSTRATION Defined for Kids

illustration

noun il·lus·tra·tion \ ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən \

Definition of illustration for Students

1 : a picture or diagram that explains or decorates
  • The dictionary has color illustrations.
2 : an example or instance used to make something clear
  • The speech included illustrations of his successes.
3 : the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated
  • He finished the illustration of the book.

Learn More about illustration

  1. See words that rhyme with illustration Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for illustration Spanish Central: Translation of illustration Nglish: Translation of illustration for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of illustration for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about illustration

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