animation

American  

[an-uh-mey-shuhn] / ˌæn əˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

• animations
  plural

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

• interanimation
  noun
• nonanimation
  noun
• overanimation
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• animations
  plural

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

See Examples For:

animation animations

“As we make this transition, Tippett Studio continues its visual effects and animation work across film, television and entertainment.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2026

She attended the event because she loves Betty Boop, but also because of the burdens the animation industry faces.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

Niu Lai, a low-budget animation film about a cow in a dream sequence has seen a huge jump in ticket sales after going viral for its confusing plot and terrible graphics.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

The company has made a big bet on Japanese animation known as anime, a wellspring of pop-culture hits such as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

If I could draw like that, I’d study animation when I grow up.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

As a result, enhanced, clearer offside animations will be used at the World Cup.

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2026

As this technology developed, the photographs became more detailed and the animations swifter and smoother.

From Slate ● May 25, 2026

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is the latest film to be given the Cosm treatment, in which supplemental animations seek to envelop guests.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

There are no photos of the executives, nor are there professional videos and fancy animations showing off products ranging from batteries to footwear to candy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

The only thing that makes me feel better is thinking about Ray’s animations.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko