definition
[ def-uh-nish-uhn ]
/ ˌdɛf əˈnɪʃ ən /
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noun
the act of defining, or of making something definite, distinct, or clear: We need a better definition of her responsibilities.
the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, idiom, etc., as found in dictionaries. An online dictionary resource, such as Dictionary.com, can give users direct, immediate access to the definitions of a term, allowing them to compare definitions from various dictionaries and stay up to date with an ever-expanding vocabulary.
the condition of being definite, distinct, or clearly outlined: His biceps have great muscle definition.
Optics. sharpness of the image formed by an optical system.
Radio and Television. the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction.
VIDEO FOR DEFINITION
WATCH NOW: Can You Guess These Words From Their Definitions?
In this game, one person is going to share the definition of a word they chose. Then, another person has to guess what word it is. You should guess along at home! Don’t worry: we’ll have clues!
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Origin of definition
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for definition
British Dictionary definitions for definition
definition
/ (ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən) /
noun
a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc
the act of defining a word, phrase, etc
specification of the essential properties of something, or of the criteria which uniquely identify it
the act of making clear or definite
the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite
a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast
Derived forms of definition
definitional, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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