definition

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce definition (audio)
Definition of definitionnext
as in description
a vivid representation in words of someone or something he gave us his definition of the perfect romantic evening on the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of definition The legal definition of childhood can therefore shift depending upon the statutory context. — Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 The judge in the case said Minnesota’s total ban went too far but that US law may allow states to ban prediction-market wagers that don’t meet the legal definition of swaps. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 Emergency responses remain excluded from the definition of work requiring a permit, though emergency situation would still require prior express consent. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Health advocates consider an official definition of ultraprocessed food a key step toward bringing greater scrutiny to meals that are blamed for multiple chronic health problems afflicting Americans. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definition
  1. description
  2. portrait
  3. depiction
  4. portrayal
Noun
  • There are certainly others in the champions’ first-team ranks who meet that description.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Adding two more championships in 2023 and ’24, Moore was tasked again with ushering the Huskies into a new era and laying the groundwork for what the job description of a general manager at UConn should look like.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of description
Noun
  • The result is a scary portrait of a culture going crazy and a city ready to burn.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The director was determined, however, that Adela would firmly be fictional rather than becoming a portrait of the performer.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • The morbidly curious Sperm Whale and Giant Squid Diorama is a startling depiction of one of nature’s most mysterious predator-prey relationships.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026
  • However, the smaller image on the right may be a depiction of a human defecating, menstruating, or giving birth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • Moore's portrayal of Ralphie Parker's teacher, notably in the iconic flagpole scene, endeared her to generations of fans.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Gus Birney, Shulman’s real-life daughter, brings an ineffable lightness to Sarah Nell, the joyfulness and sweetness of the portrayal all the more wondrous before of all the darkness that surrounds it.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of portrayal

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Cite this Entry

“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definition. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on definition

Nglish: Translation of definition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about definition

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