incarnation

noun in·car·na·tion \ ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Examples: incarnation in a Sentence

Definition of incarnation

1 a (1) : the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form

(2) capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ

b : a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept; especially : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree

she is the incarnation of goodness

2 : the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate

3 : a particular physical form or state : version

in another incarnation he might be a first vice-president
—Walter Teller

TV and movie incarnations of the story

—

incarnational

play \ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shə-nᵊl, -shnəl\ adjective

See incarnation defined for English-language learners

See incarnation defined for kids

Examples of incarnation in a Sentence

the doctrine of the Incarnation
she is the very incarnation of grace and tactfulness

Recent Examples of incarnation from the Web

The addition of Anthony, which likely would be on a one-year contract, could potentially serve as a bridge to the team's next incarnation.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Carmelo Anthony as a Heat option grows as a possibility," 10 July 2018
Being large-scale data collectors for advertising purposes has also been the perfect preparation for the firms’ next incarnation as AI companies, says Glen Weyl, an economist at Microsoft Research who also teaches at Yale University.

— The Economist, "More knock-on than networkThe story of the internet is all about layers," 28 June 2018
The Skipjacks followed several incarnations of the Baltimore Clippers, and joined the AHL in 1982.

— katherine fominykh, baltimoresun.com, "For Baltimore hockey fans, the Skipjacks came first," 9 June 2018
Like the ’98 Rainbow Team, the 2018 incarnation of Les Blues is incredibly diverse: 17 of the 23 players on the roster are sons of first-generation immigrants.

— sean gregory, Time, "32 Teams Entered, 2 Remain. Your Ultimate Guide to the World Cup Final," 13 July 2018
The council on Tuesday passed the latest incarnation of limits on how quickly departments can fill vacancies, though prior attempts have been vetoed by the Board of Commissioners.

— craig lyons, Post-Tribune, "Council creates two-week hold on filling vacancies," 10 July 2018
Adorn your midriff with a gold incarnation from Jacquie Aiche or a silver piece by Free People.

— madeline fass, Vogue, "From Anklets to Toe Rings, This Is the Summer of Throwback Jewelry," 6 July 2018
There’s little reason to think the current incarnation of the Supreme Court will be a friendly venue for migrants.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "A federal judge orders Trump to reunite the families he has torn apart.," 27 June 2018
Related stories from Miami Herald Wade’s latest incarnation could become his most essential role since the Big 3 era Heat Check podcast: Dwyane Wade is back baby!

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "Miami Heat fans relish chance to welcome Dwyane Wade back to Miami | Miami Herald," 9 Feb. 2018

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

First Known Use of incarnation

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

incarnation Synonyms

Synonyms

abstract, avatar, embodier, embodiment, epitome, externalization, genius, icon (also ikon), image, incorporation, manifestation, objectification, personification, personifier;

essence, quintessence, soul;

archetype, exemplar, model, paradigm, pattern;

reincarnation;

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

INCARNATION Defined for English Language Learners

incarnation

noun

Definition of incarnation for English Language Learners

: one of a series of lives that a person is believed to have had in the past in some religions
: a person who represents a quality or idea
the Incarnation in the Christian religion : the belief in Jesus Christ as both God and a human being