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definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 
1
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
dictionary definitions
b
: a statement expressing the essential nature of something
c
: a product of defining
2
: the action or process of stating the meaning of a word or word group
3
a
: the action or the power of describingexplainingor making definite and clear
the definition of a telescope
her comic genius is beyond definition
b(1)
: clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail
improve the definition of an image
(2)
: clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction
c
: sharp demarcation of outlines or limits
a jacket with distinct waist definition
4
: a clear or perfect example of a person or thing
the very definition of a gentleman
5
: an act of determining
specifically
: the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
Examples of definition in a Sentence
For the last eight years or soI've been watching the evolution of bikes made for women. At the beginning of that timethere were a small number of women's bikes availablemost offered with low-endsometimes no-namespecas if by definition all women riders were beginners.
—
Christine Bucher Bicycling March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatierbut she takes the definition of artisan to a higher level.
—Amy Johansson Chocolatier February/March 2006
One kind of poverty is that of the imagination—the inability to envision a future truly different from the present. Jasmine had long judged people based on whether or not they gave her food and clothingbutas she watched Carolyn and Gus and other familiesshe found herself mulling different gauges of worth. She'd been working lately on a definition of love.
—Katherine Boo New Yorker 28 Nov. 2005
Ideology thus provides definition of both systemic reality and values: it provides a set of preconceptions of what is and of what ought to be.
—Warren J. Samuels Modern Economic Thought (1977) 1993
What is the legal definition of a corporation?
A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation.
a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors
Christine Bucher Bicycling March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatierbut she takes the definition of artisan to a higher level.
—Amy Johansson Chocolatier February/March 2006
One kind of poverty is that of the imagination—the inability to envision a future truly different from the present. Jasmine had long judged people based on whether or not they gave her food and clothingbutas she watched Carolyn and Gus and other familiesshe found herself mulling different gauges of worth. She'd been working lately on a definition of love.
—Katherine Boo New Yorker 28 Nov. 2005
Ideology thus provides definition of both systemic reality and values: it provides a set of preconceptions of what is and of what ought to be.
—Warren J. Samuels Modern Economic Thought (1977) 1993
What is the legal definition of a corporation?
A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation.
a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors
Recent Examples on the Web
The result is a subtle definition of the lips.
—Izzy BaskettePEOPLE16 Apr. 2026
In an interview with Flow SpaceVonn talks about the campaignher new definition of resilienceand a message for those who may misunderstand her.
—Alexa MikhailFlow Space16 Apr. 2026
The festival also introduced a new sectionSide Showswhich featured upcoming films thatdespite not falling into the strict definition of horrorfelt a good fit for the festival.
—Arushi JacobVariety16 Apr. 2026
Whether Powell has taken any action that would fit that legal definition remains unclearalthough Powellhimself a lawyerhas repeatedly said the president cannot remove him from his job.
—Bryan MenaCNN Money15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for definition
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Izzy BaskettePEOPLE16 Apr. 2026
In an interview with Flow SpaceVonn talks about the campaignher new definition of resilienceand a message for those who may misunderstand her.
—Alexa MikhailFlow Space16 Apr. 2026
The festival also introduced a new sectionSide Showswhich featured upcoming films thatdespite not falling into the strict definition of horrorfelt a good fit for the festival.
—Arushi JacobVariety16 Apr. 2026
Whether Powell has taken any action that would fit that legal definition remains unclearalthough Powellhimself a lawyerhas repeatedly said the president cannot remove him from his job.
—Bryan MenaCNN Money15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for definition
Cite this Entry
“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com DictionaryMerriam-Websterhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən
1
: an act of determining or settling the limits
2
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
b
: the action or process of defining
3
a
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
Medical Definition
definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
the definition of a microscope lens
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