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

A previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies remains in production.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

And although the animation is typically stellar, there are few opportunities to truly appreciate all of the work that went into creating this world.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

But reports suggest that the iPhone’s Dynamic Island will have a permanently accessible Siri animation, and that users will be able to swipe down to access a Search or Ask interface.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

The scene is a giant movie screen broken up in sections and upon which is projected witty, fantastical background animation, while the characters are the live singers, dressed as though silent film stars.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Carrel was a mystic who believed in telepathy and clairvoyance, and thought it was possible for humans to live several centuries through the use of suspended animation.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot