high definition

American

noun

a system for screen display of images that are sharper and more detailed than normal, having many more than the standard number of scanning lines per frame: HD

Most TV shows are available in high definition.
an audio system that reproduces sound with a high degree of accuracy and clarity: HD

music recordings that use high definition.
an optical system that produces very sharp images. HD

Other Word Forms

high-definition adjective

Etymology

Origin of high definition

First recorded in 1980–85

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.

But looking through her spotting scope, they appeared in high definition.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

Tidied into high definition, they often appear restless.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025

Sir David's programmes have gone from being shot on 16mm film stock with clockwork cameras in 1954 to ultra high definition 4k in the present day.

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2024

Best extras: Found on the included Blu-ray version of the film, Sony offers the digital treats originally presented in the 2013 high definition release of the film.

From Washington Times • Nov. 23, 2023

Like, full-on surround sound, high definition, 360-degree special effects.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023