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

Now, another screen incarnation will coincide with the Miami production. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

In its latest incarnation, designed by the firm S9, the curtain wall has darkened and the electronic billboards brightened, so that the tower resembles a TV mount, more apparatus than architecture. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026

Vintage photographs and century-old artifacts nod to the property's original incarnation. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

Afterwards, a video tribute played on the big screens, featuring a montage of moments of Hansard performing in numerous incarnations at Ohana over the past decade. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 28 Sep. 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