definition

American  

[def-uh-nish-uhn] / ˌdɛf əˈnɪʃ ən /

noun

definitions plural

1. the act of defining, or of making something definite, distinct, or clear.

   We need a better definition of her responsibilities.

2. 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.

3. the condition of being definite, distinct, or clearly outlined.

   His biceps have great muscle definition.

4. Optics. sharpness of the image formed by an optical system.

5. Radio and Television. the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction.

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definition British  

/ ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən /

noun

1. a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc

2. the act of defining a word, phrase, etc

3. specification of the essential properties of something, or of the criteria which uniquely identify it

4. the act of making clear or definite

5. the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite

6. a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• predefinition
  noun
• redefinition
  noun
• self-definition
  noun
• subdefinition
  noun
• definitional
  adjective
• definitionally
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• definitions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of definition

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diffinicioun, from Old French diffinition, from Latin dēfīnītiōn- (stem of dēfīnītiō ), equivalent to dēfīnīt(us) ( see definite) + -iōn- noun suffix ( see -ion)

Explanation

A good definition explains concisely what something means. Dictionaries include definitions, even for the word definition! A definition precisely explains the fundamental state or meaning of something, often given formally as by lexicographers writing a dictionary or legislators writing laws. It can also refer to a sharply detailed image or concept — like how clear the picture is on a high-definition TV or how cut a Calvin Klein model's abs are.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

definition definitions

DAMIEN: USC commit Gavin Williams is the definition of the word elite on defense and offense.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

There’s no one agreed-upon definition of socialism, even among avowed socialists themselves.

From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026

The acrimonious case centres on the definition and valuation of the couple's shared assets, including Chey's lucrative stake in the SK Group.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Each state has its own definition for what counts as homeschooling; some states don’t report homeschooling numbers at all.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

If, of course, your definition of groovy is sensory overload.

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen

“State laws offer varying definitions that prosecutors have largely accepted, and courts have increasingly defined the category, usually functionally.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

The states’ case hinges on whether a judge will accept the market definitions outlined in their lawsuit, Garcia and other analysts said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

They could be considered in a bear market by some definitions.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026

While there are different definitions of Herndon’s “fastest time,” including ones clocked before grease was added, none were by the Class of 1991.

From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026

“I think that within the usual definitions Mr. Hickock did know right from wrong.”

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

• answer
• explanation
• interpretation
• rationale
• solution
• translation