delineation

American  

[dih-lin-ee-ey-shuhn] / dɪˌlɪn iˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of delineating.

2. a chart or diagram; sketch; rough draft.

3. a description.

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Other Word Forms

• delineative adjective
• nondelineation noun
• nondelineative adjective
• predelineation noun
• undelineative adjective

Etymology

Origin of delineation

1560–70; < Late Latin dēlīneātiōn- (stem of dēlīneātiō ) a sketch, equivalent to Latin dēlīneāt ( us ) ( delineate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

They tend to lead in harmony when there is a clear delineation of responsibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

What has changed is the delineation between public and private, who can broadcast their innermost lives to the world, and whose innermost lives garner the world’s interest.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

"Today, precise state-led strikes, backed by central paramilitary forces, have changed the game. While paramilitary held the ground, state forces gathered intelligence and launched targeted operations. It was clear role delineation and coordination," he said.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

But there's still a delineation between family and children's animation versus animation geared toward adults.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2023

This is a gentle delineation, is it not, reader?

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë