define
Americanverb (used with object)
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to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.).
They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”
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to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe.
to define judicial functions.
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to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly.
to define one's responsibilities.
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to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of.
to define property with stakes.
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to make clear the outline or form of.
The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
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to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
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to determine the boundary or extent of
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(often passive) to delineate the form or outline of
the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it
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to fix with precision; specify
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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definabilitynoun
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definementnoun
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definernoun
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nondefinabilitynoun
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nondefinernoun
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definableadjective
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nondefinableadjective
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nondefinedadjective
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self-definedadjective
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semidefinedadjective
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undefinableadjective
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definablyadverb
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nondefinablyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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definesimple
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definessimple
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have definedperfect
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has definedperfect
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am definingprogressive
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are definingprogressive
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is definingprogressive
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have been definingperfect progressive
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has been definingperfect progressive
Past
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definedsimple
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had definedperfect
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was definingprogressive
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were definingprogressive
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had been definingperfect progressive
Future
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”; see origin at de-, finish
Explanation
If you can't define a word, turn to the dictionary. That's always the best way to learn the definition. Likewise, anything you can describe completely is something you can define. The early French and Latin roots of the verb mean something closer to "to limit" or "to create a boundary," but this is really what we do when we define something: we limit its meaning to something specific. So when you're thinking about the word define, remember that you're looking to create a boundary of meaning around it, whether you're specifying the meaning of a word or a larger concept. To define a word such as astronomy is to define both the word and the realm of science that it's concerned with.
Vocabulary lists containing define
The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 1
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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.
They can change the course of history, give visible form to an abstract concept, and define our image of ourselves.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026
The published text of the memorandum of understanding says Iran will define the future administration of the strait in dialogue with Oman and the other Gulf States, but "in line" with international law.
From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026
By contrast, the Constitution explicitly authorizes Congress to establish federal agencies and define the scope of their mandate.
From Slate • Jun. 29, 2026
As a producer, your records helped define the sound of rock in the ’70s.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026
Me: I is the hardest word to define.
From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green
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.
