imagination

noun

imag·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
1
: the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality
2
a
: creative ability
b
: ability to confront and deal with a problem : resourcefulness
use your imagination and get us out of here
c
: the thinking or active mind : interest
stories that fired the imagination
3
a
: a creation of the mind
especially : an idealized or poetic creation
b
: fanciful or empty assumption

Examples of imagination in a Sentence

You can find a solution if you use a little imagination. The author does not tell us what happens to the characters. We have to use our imagination. He's a competent writer, but he lacks imagination. Is it just my imagination, or is it getting warm in here?
Recent Examples on the Web There are few things more French in the public imagination than frog legs, but a group of scientists has warned France to bring its consumption of the oft-sautéed delicacy under more stringent regulation. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Many require imagination during the design and construction phase. Julie Evans, Parents, 12 Mar. 2024 In Hollywood’s version of American history, as in the imagination of the current Supreme Court majority, every man owns a gun and no woman is ever pregnant. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Engaging in something unfamiliar will spark your imagination and encourage you to make personal changes that attract a different circle of friends. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 Bali has been a fixation of the Western imagination since the early 20th century. Annie Daly, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 And Backyard Renaissance Theatre’s excellent production is done with great care, sensitivity and imagination. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 The 16-minute short shows how the incident — as well as reactions by her peers — marks a girl named Alma, expanding into something nightmarish as Haim’s memory takes hold in her imagination. Peter Debruge, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 Making papier-mâché, after all, requires nothing more than a few pantry items, some trash and a bit of imagination. Alexa Brazilian, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymaginacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French ymaginacion, borrowed from Latin imāginātiōn-, imāginātiō, from imāginārī "to imagine" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near imagination

Cite this Entry

“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagination. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

imagination

noun
imag·​i·​na·​tion im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
1
: the act or power of forming a mental picture of something not present and especially of something one has not known or experienced
2
: creative ability
3
: a creation of the mind

Medical Definition

imagination

noun
imag·​i·​na·​tion im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
: an act or process of forming a conscious idea or mental image of something never before wholly perceived in reality by the one forming the images (as through a synthesis of remembered elements of previous sensory experiences or ideas as modified by unconscious defense mechanisms)
also : the ability or gift of forming such conscious ideas or mental images especially for the purposes of artistic or intellectual creation

More from Merriam-Webster on imagination

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