illustration

noun

il·​lus·​tra·​tion ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce illustration (audio)
 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 How to pronounce illustration (audio)
 also  i-ˌlə-
adjective
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 Crying was ubiquitous—especially by religious men and women, as writing and illustrations in religious texts of the time show. Pragya Agarwal, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024 The coir is fade-resistant, ensuring the unique illustrations and colors stay in great shape. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 Source photograph for illustration above: Screenshot via Entertainment Tonight. Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Mark Harris discusses plant illustration in the 18th century Caribbean. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2024 In the meme wars on social media, the campaign promoted illustrations of Biden as a political mastermind, firing lasers from his eyes. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Colorful art and whimsical illustrations — specially commissioned for the book — tie everything together. Tim Chan, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2024 The following three ingredients—audience, illustrations and phrases—can be used in a variety of different ways for communication success. Angie Barnes, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 While many of the special-edition vinyl have sold out, the Cardinal Picture Disc Vinyl, featuring a gorgeous illustration of two red cardinals amidst lush greenery, is now back in stock. Anna Tingley, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illustration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of illustration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near illustration

Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustration. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

illustration

noun
il·​lus·​tra·​tion ˌil-əs-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce illustration (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on illustration

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