high definition

noun

1. a system for screen display of images that are sharper and more detailed than normal, having many more than the standard number of scanning lines per frame: HD

   Most TV shows are available in high definition.

2. an audio system that reproduces sound with a high degree of accuracy and clarity: HD

   music recordings that use high definition.

3. an optical system that produces very sharp images. HD

Other Word Forms

• high-definition adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of high definition¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Tidied into high definition, they often appear restless.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the restaurant had installed high definition cameras "to boost security".

From BBC

Since at least 2011, officials at DHS have promised a shoes-on future, and the department’s own science arm developed and licensed a “high definition–advanced imaging technology shoe scanner.”

From Slate

Sir David's programmes have gone from being shot on 16mm film stock with clockwork cameras in 1954 to ultra high definition 4k in the present day.

From BBC

Some 17 months later, Manthan was reborn in ultra high definition 4K.

From BBC