definition
Americannoun
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the act of definingor of making something definitedistinctor clear.
We need a better definition of her responsibilities.
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the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a wordphraseidiometc.as found in dictionaries. An online dictionary resourcesuch as Dictionary.comcan give users directimmediate access to the definitions of a termallowing them to compare definitions from various dictionaries and stay up to date with an ever-expanding vocabulary.
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the condition of being definitedistinctor clearly outlined.
His biceps have great muscle definition.
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Optics. sharpness of the image formed by an optical system.
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Radio and Television. the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction.
noun
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a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a wordphraseetc
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the act of defining a wordphraseetc
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specification of the essential properties of somethingor of the criteria which uniquely identify it
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the act of making clear or definite
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the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite
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a measure of the clarity of an opticalphotographicor television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast
Other Word Forms
- definitional adjective
- definitionally adverb
- predefinition noun
- redefinition noun
- self-definition noun
- subdefinition noun
Etymology
Origin of definition
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diffinicioun, from Old French diffinition, from Latin dēfīnītiōn- (stem of dēfīnītiō )equivalent to dēfīnīt(us) ( definite ) + -iōn- noun suffix ( -ion )
Explanation
A good definition explains concisely what something means. Dictionaries include definitionseven for the word definition! A definition precisely explains the fundamental state or meaning of somethingoften given formally as by lexicographers writing a dictionary or legislators writing laws. It can also refer to a sharply detailed image or concept — like how clear the picture is on a high-definition TV or how cut a Calvin Klein model's abs are.
Vocabulary lists containing definition
Dictionary Words: Lexicography Lingo
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Language and Grammar - Introductory
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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 WordsList 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“This isin factthe definition of a peaceable revolutionif any such is possible.”
From Barron's • Apr. 142026
But by definitionmost investors can’t be better than average.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 142026
Two days laterlegislators took up the Public Nuisance Reform Actwhich proposes narrowing the definition of what could be considered a nuisance.
From Salon • Apr. 102026
So in that sensewhat is “moral” in this situation can take on a variety of formsdepending on which definition of what is “right” is prioritized in your own mind.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 102026
Let’s begin with a commonly accepted definition of arts integration from the Kennedy Center’s ArtsEdge website along with a checklist to help guide the teacher in the creation of an integrated lesson.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridgedbased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary© Random HouseInc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 200220011995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
