description

noun

di-SKRIP-shuhn/dɪˈskɹɪpʃən/

Pluraldescriptions

7 meanings of description

1
account in wordsnouncountable
An account in words that tells what someone or something is like.
Like drawing a picture of something, but using words instead of lines.
Her description of the lost dog helped us find it quickly.
He gave a clear description of the man who took the bag.
UsageSay a description of something, and give a description.
Similaraccount, portrayal, depiction, representation, picture
2
nouncountable
The set of features that helps you know who or what something is.
Like a list of clues that helps you spot the right person.
The man matched the description the witness gave.
Police stopped a car that fit the description of the getaway vehicle.
UsageSay a person or thing matches or fits the description.
Similarprofile
3
noununcountable
The act of telling or showing what something is like.
Like telling a friend exactly what you saw, step by step.
Her teacher said she was very good at description.
Careful description helps readers picture a place.
Note
4
kindnouncountable
A kind or type of thing, used mostly in phrases like of every description.
The market sells fruit of every description.
There were no stores of any description in the little village.
UsageUsed after a noun in phrases like of every description and of all descriptions.
Similarkind, sort, type, variety

Less common meanings

5
noun
An official written record that introduces a new kind of living thing to science.
6
noun
A study that writes down how a particular language or dialect works.
7
noun
The practice of recording how people really speak and write, not how they should.

Practice

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Origin

From Latin dēscrīptiō, a noun formed from dēscrībō, meaning 'I describe'. Middle English borrowed it both directly from Latin and through Old French.