description

[dih-skrip-shuhn]

noun

1. a statement, picture in words, or account that describes; descriptive representation.

2. the act or method of describing.

3. sort; kind; variety.

   dogs of every description.

   Synonyms: ilk, condition, character, nature, species

4. Geometry.,  the act or process of describing a figure.

description

/ dɪˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. a statement or account that describes; representation in words

2. the act, process, or technique of describing

3. sort, kind, or variety

   reptiles of every description

4. geometry the act of drawing a line or figure, such as an arc

5. philosophy a noun phrase containing a predicate that may replace a name as the subject of a sentence

Other Word Forms

• predescription noun
• redescription noun
• self-description noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of description¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English descripcioun, from Latin dēscrīptiōn-, stem of dēscrīptiō, from dēscrīpt(us) “described” (past participle of dēscrībere “to copy, draw, transcribe”; describe ) + -iō -ion

Idioms and Phrases

see beggar description.

Example Sentences

The novels of Dame Jilly Cooper, who has died at the age of 88, are joyous descriptions of a fantasy world where monied men cast smouldering glances and women are instantly aroused.

From BBC

A description of a 2023 webinar marking the release of the book caught its main theme perfectly:

From Salon

But many west Altadenans decried the description, saying their homes started to burn long before then.

From Los Angeles Times

I snapped a photo and sent it to my mom and sister with a breathless description; within minutes, I was officially booked to make it for Christmas Eve.

From Salon

However, Boris Johnson has rejected that description of the decision, with both due to be asked about it later in the session, Ms Dobbin told the inquiry.

From BBC

Related Words

• characterization 
• confession 
• definition 
• depiction 
• detail 
• explanation 
• information 
• narration 
• narrative 
• picture 
• portrayal 
• report 
• sketch 
• statement 
• story 
• summary 
• tale 
• version