define
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.).
They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”
-
to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe.
to define judicial functions.
-
to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly.
to define one's responsibilities.
-
to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of.
to define property with stakes.
-
to make clear the outline or form of.
The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
-
to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
-
to determine the boundary or extent of
-
(often passive) to delineate the form or outline of
the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it
-
to fix with precision; specify
Other Word Forms
- definability noun
- definable adjective
- definably adverb
- definement noun
- definer noun
- misdefine verb (used with object)
- nondefinability noun
- nondefinable adjective
- nondefinably adverb
- nondefined adjective
- nondefiner noun
- predefine verb (used with object)
- redefine verb (used with object)
- self-defined adjective
- semidefined adjective
- undefinable adjective
Etymology
Origin of define
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen, from Anglo-French, Old French definer “to put an end to,” from Latin dēfīnīre ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to dē- “from, away from, out of” + fīnīre “to end”; de-, finish
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She says she refuses to let the scandal define her son's legacy.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
The U.S. needs to define its goals and let other problems take care of themselves.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
AI is supposed to define everybody’s future, but some people think that Apple has fallen behind in the AI race.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
“The first lease is not just a milestone, it will define the benchmark for every agreement that follows, and we intend to get it right,” Neugebauer wrote.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
The nervousness she’d felt earlier in the morning had been replaced by something hard to define.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
