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 Words From

• prede·scription noun
• rede·scription noun
• self-de·scription 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

For example, users could type in descriptions, such as “a stylish woman walks down a Tokyo street,” and Sora would provide up to 60-second videos based on that information.

From Los Angeles Times

This description of Henri Matisse’s luxurious 1937 “Yellow Odalisque” also fits Thomas’ splendid self-portrait.

From Los Angeles Times

Warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged sexual offences.

From BBC

The body camera exerpts were interspersed with written descriptions of what the department said had unfolded.

From Los Angeles Times

There was no description available of the third suspect.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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