plural summaries
: a brief statement that gives the most important information about something
He concluded the report with a brief summary.
a chapter/plot summary
They gave a summary of their progress in building the bridge.
always used before a noun
1
: using few words to give the most important information about something
a summary account of the accident
a summary report
2
formal
: done quickly in a way that does not follow the normal process
a summary dismissal/execution/judgment
a summary court proceeding
Cite this Entry
“Summary.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/summary. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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