incarnation

noun

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

1

: the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate

2

: 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

3

a

: 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

b(1)

Incarnation : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ

(2)

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

incarnational

ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of incarnation

• manifestation
• image
• avatar

Examples of incarnation in a Sentence

the doctrine of the Incarnation

she is the very incarnation of grace and tactfulness

Recent Examples on the Web

But still — a solid episode of Project Runway in its current incarnation. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

This is the first time Santa Cruz Shakespeare has produced a Wilson play, stretching back 45 years into the company’s former incarnation as Shakespeare Santa Cruz. — Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

In its previous incarnation as the Victoria Golf Course, the venue hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022, with a roll of champions that includes Shane Lowry, Thomas Pieters and Jordan Smith. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Put all that together and this city has good reason to embrace a festival that, after 20 incarnations in Sweet Home Chicago, deserves to be seen as part of our summer furniture. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b(2)

Rhymes for incarnation

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

Kids Definition

incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the appearance of a god or spirit in an earthly form

2

capitalized : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ

3

: an actual instance of a quality or concept

she was the incarnation of goodness