definition
Pluraldefinitions
- 1Words that explain what a word means, or say exactly what something is.
Like a label on a jar that tells you what's inside.
I looked up the definition of 'photosynthesis' in my science book.
The teacher asked us to write a definition for each new word.
UsageSay the definition of a word. By definition means because of what something is.
Note
- 2The act of saying exactly what something means or where its limits are.
The definition of the park's borders took the city two years.
Careful definition of each task helped the team avoid confusion.
- 3How sharp and clear the edges and details of something, such as a picture, are.
Like the difference between a sharp photo and a blurry one.
The new television shows every blade of grass with amazing definition.
Fog softened the photo and robbed it of definition.
UsageYou often see high definition, as in a high-definition TV.
Similarsharpness, clarity, resolution, detail
Note
- 4A clear example that matches exactly what something is supposed to be.
Like a model answer that shows exactly how something should be.
That puppy is the definition of cuteness.
Waiting all day without a single complaint was the definition of patience.
UsageSay the definition of something, or the very definition of.
Similarepitome, embodiment, essence, quintessence, picture
Note
Less common meanings
- 5
- 6How clearly you can see each separate muscle on someone's body.
Like seeing each bump on a chocolate bar instead of one smooth block.
Months of training gave his arms real definition.
She wanted more definition in her shoulders.
UsageSay definition in your arms or shoulders.
Similartone
Note
- 7Code that fully sets up a name, such as making room for a variable or saying what a function does.
- 8The part of a cryptic crossword clue that tells you what the answer means.
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of definition apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
The Latin verb dēfīniō gave dēfīnītiō, and French brought the word into English. Think of it as 'define' with '-ition' added.