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

My perception of the band could be skewed through that lens, but all of those players really managed to keep going and stay true to that live incarnation with this uniquely American music. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2026

So the Huskies in 2026 could be an East Coast incarnation of the Rockets. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026

Press clippings from the earlier incarnation of what was United Press International Wire Service in 1983 describe as many as 10,000 cars crowding the surrounding roads and intersections with onlookers eager to gander at the amazing displays and décor. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

With fan-favorite sticky wings, matzo ball soup, soft serve, tasting menus and an opening incarnation as a casual deli, Yangban (formerly Yangban Society) lived multiple lives in its two-year run. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025

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