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

• interanimation noun
• nonanimation noun
• overanimation 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

Example Sentences

The animation showed what Sam Lilley, the first officer of American Airlines Flight 5342, likely saw, the National Transportation Safety Board believes.

From The Wall Street Journal

James Carson used to deliver packages for an animation company in London.

From BBC

With simulated waves, animation tables, and dozens of original sketches on display, a new exhibition in the Oscars museum offers immersion into the aquatic world of "Ponyo," Hayao Miyazaki's cinematic classic.

From Barron's

On television and in animation, he voiced Toyman across multiple DC series and appeared in projects including “And the Band Played On,” “Ugly Betty” and “Criminal Minds.”

From Los Angeles Times

With the animation of her ponytail helping to complete the flashing dynamics of her often-prancing moves, Ms. Nadon gained even more flair when joined by Mr. Tomash—who matched her verve, accentuation for accentuation.

From The Wall Street Journal