definition

noun

def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
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 describing, explaining, or 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
: an act of determining
specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
definitional adjective

Examples of definition in a Sentence

For the last eight years or so, I've been watching the evolution of bikes made for women. At the beginning of that time, there were a small number of women's bikes available, most offered with low-end, sometimes no-name, spec, as if by definition all women riders were beginners. Christine Bucher, Bicycling, March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatier, but 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 clothing, but, as she watched Carolyn and Gus and other families, she 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 core debate around the bill had been the IHRA definition and examples attached to it. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Even the three bills described above use different definitions. Calmatters, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2024 Although the law strengthens protection for women by broadening the definition of unlawful conduct related to domestic violence and by increasing penalties for offenders, the legislation has its limits. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 Not all delegates are created equal, and the precise definitions can vary; however, delegates generally fall into two camps. USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 The Alabama court decision made clear that this stance on the definition of life can broadly rewrite reproductive rights and send states, and perhaps the country, down unpredictable paths. Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 What is your definition of courage? Use your voice. The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024 Musk has offered different definitions for AGI in the past that would disqualify GPT-4 for that honor. Will Knight, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2024 More broadly, the aging population is integrally tied to this broader definition of women’s health, in Darcy’s view. Deb Gordon, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'definition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diffinicioun, borrowed from Anglo-French diffiniciun, definiciun, borrowed from Latin dēfīnītiōn-, dēfīnītiō "fixing of a boundary, precise description," from dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, define" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of definition was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near definition

Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

definition

noun
def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce definition (audio)
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
definitional
-ˈnish-nəl How to pronounce definition (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

definition

noun
def·​i·​ni·​tion ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce definition (audio)
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
the definition of a microscope lens

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