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description

American  
[dih-skrip-shuhn] / dɪˈskrɪp ʃən /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
description Idioms  

  1. see beggar description.

Other Word Forms

  • predescription noun
  • redescription noun
  • self-description noun

Etymology

Origin of description

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

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.

Anyone lacking a professional grasp of cameras, lighting and lenses may find their eyes crossing as Mr. Deakins reels off descriptions of equipment, setups and strategies at a clip.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s the grim picture that has overtaken the market in recent months, leading to descriptions of a software apocalypse.

From Barron's

The notice appears on the description of Cardiff University's English Literature module Gothic Fiction: The Victorians, which examines texts from the 19th Century.

From BBC

But for Conan O’Brien, balancing gravity and levity is part of his job description as host.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the recent update, police said a white shoulder bag, matching a description of the one she was carrying, had been found on Copperas Road, near the town's waterfront.

From BBC

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.