animation

American  

[an-uh-mey-shuhn] / ˌæn əˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. animated quality; liveliness; vivacity; spirit.

   to talk with animation.

   Synonyms:

   sprightliness, exhilaration, ardor, enthusiasm, energy, vigor

   Antonyms:

   sluggishness

2. an act or instance of animating or enlivening.

3. the state or condition of being animated.

4. Graphic Arts

   1. a dynamic visual medium produced from static drawings, models, or objects posed in a series of incremental movements that are then rapidly sequenced to give the illusion of lifelike motion.

   2. the process of preparing such animation, as for films, cartoons, video games, etc.

   3. a product of such animation, as a film or cartoon.

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animation British  

/ ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. liveliness; vivacity

2. the condition of being alive

3. 1. the techniques used in the production of animated cartoons

   2. a variant of animated cartoon

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• overanimation
  noun
• interanimation
  noun
• nonanimation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of animation

1590–1600; 1910–15 animation for def. 4; (< Middle French ) < Latin animātiōn- (stem of animātiō a bestowing of life). See animate, -ion

Explanation

Animation is the state of being full of life and energy, like a room full of excited kids at a birthday party. You're sure to get more people excited about your idea if you speak with animation, or liveliness, in your voice. If your face has animation, the expression in your eyes and the shape of your mouth accent what you say. As it applies to film making, animation refers to bringing something flat and unmoving, like a drawing, to life.

Example Sentences

But her passion was for animation and she launched a career in that field.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Traditionally, the weird, unnerving and phantasmagorical have not been welcome features in mainstream Hollywood animation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

They give the impression of being much more than they are, perhaps even having consciousness—just as Muybridge’s animation gives the impression of movement, perhaps even life.

From Slate • May 25, 2026

His ideas grew more ambitious, but he didn't have the equipment, money or manpower to film them - so taught himself animation using YouTube tutorials.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

“Because my dad already downloaded the animation software,” I tell her.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day