inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən 

-(ˌ)spi-

1

: an inspiring agent or influence

Their courage is an inspiration to us all.

There's no telling which shows could serve as inspiration for the next game.

—Jennifer Leman

2

a

: the quality or state of being inspired

The designer often pulls inspiration through realms outside of fashion ranging from travel to just being outside in nature.

—Kerane Marcellus

b

: something that is inspired

Deciding to have the party outdoors was sheer inspiration.

3

: the act of drawing in

specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

… ventilation of the lung and near-constant airflow during both inspiration and expiration …

—Patrick M. O'Connor et al.

4

a

: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify that person to receive and communicate sacred revelation

b

: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

c

: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

inspirational

ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-(ˌ)spi-

adjective

inspirationally adverb

Did you know?

The Inspirational History of Inspiration

Inspiration has an unusual history in that its figurative sense appears to predate its literal one. It comes from the Latin inspiratus (the past participle of inspirare, “to breathe into, inspire”) and in English has had the meaning “the drawing of air into the lungs” since the middle of the 16th century. This breathing sense is still in common use among doctors, as is expiration (“the act or process of releasing air from the lungs”). However, before inspiration was used to refer to breath it had a distinctly theological meaning in English, referring to a divine influence upon a person, from a divine entity; this sense dates back to the early 14th century. The sense of inspiration often found today (“someone or something that inspires”) is considerably newer than either of these two senses, dating from the 19th century.

Examples of inspiration in a Sentence

Where does the inspiration for your art come from?

His paintings take their inspiration from nature.

She had a sudden inspiration. They would have the party outdoors!

Deciding to have the party outdoors was sheer inspiration.

Recent Examples on the Web

The history of near-misses is terrifying and was an important piece of inspiration for us in terms of crafting a story. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Nov. 2025

Last month, in Surry, Virginia, 19-year-old Cameran Drew ran for a seat on the board of supervisors, taking inspiration from his high school civics class. —CBS News, 16 Nov. 2025

The capsule draws inspiration from Polo’s archives, specifically from the ’80s and ’90s, said Mathur. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Nov. 2025

These mom rules are why Chilli is our go-to for parenting inspiration. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing inspiration

• divine inspiration

Rhymes for inspiration

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

Kids Definition

inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the drawing of air into the lungs in breathing

2

a

: the act or power of moving the mind or the emotions

the inspiration of music

b

: the quality or state of being inspired

the artist's inspiration came from many sources

c

: something that is inspired

a scheme that was an inspiration

d

: someone or something that inspires

his wife was his greatest inspiration

inspirational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

inspirationally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

inspiration

noun

in·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spir-ˈā- 

: the drawing of air into the lungs