DictionaryAI

describe

verb
di-SKRYB/dɪˈskɹaɪb/

Formsdescribes, describing, described

4 meanings of describe

Practice

  1. 1
    put in wordsverbtransitive
    To say or write what someone or something is like.

    Like painting a picture, but using words instead of paint.

    Can you describe the man you saw at the door?

    She described her trip in great detail.

    UsageSay describe the room to me (not incorrect: describe me the room).

    Similarportray, depict, characterize, detail, outline

  2. 2
    name new speciesverbtransitive
    To officially name and explain a new kind of living thing for science.

    Like being the first person to name and explain a newly found animal.

    Scientists describe new kinds of beetles every year.

    A researcher first described this frog in 1920.

    UsageOften said as was first described by: this frog was first described by a scientist in 1920.

    Note
  3. 3
    trace shapeverbtransitive
    To draw a line or shape, or to move in a way that makes that shape.

    The pilot described a wide circle in the sky.

    Use a compass to describe a neat circle on the page.

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To divide things into parts or groups, or to mark their boundaries.
    Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book.
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, described means divided, marking out the land into separate parts.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of describe apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Latin dēscrībō, meaning to copy off or write down, built from dē ('off') and scrībō ('write'). It reached English through Old French descrivre and Middle English descriven.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 5 facts