illustration
Americannoun
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something that illustrates, as a picture in a book or magazine.
-
a comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.
- Synonyms:
- explication
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the act or process of illuminating.
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the act of clarifying or explaining; elucidation.
-
Archaic. illustriousness; distinction.
noun
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pictorial matter used to explain or decorate a text
-
an example or demonstration
an illustration of his ability
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the act of illustrating or the state of being illustrated
Related Words
See case 1.
Other Word Forms
- illustrational adjective
- nonillustration noun
- overillustration noun
- preillustration noun
- reillustration noun
- superillustration noun
Etymology
Origin of illustration
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin illustrātiōn- (stem of illustrātiō ) “the act of making vivid, illustrating”; illustrate, -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.
The illustration showed a cow proudly standing next to a strange collection of useless objects labeled as tools.
From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026
Jemal R. Brinson is a graphics reporter at The Wall Street Journal specializing in 3-D graphics, motion design and illustration.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
The 150 shops are a vital source of livelihood for many and an illustration of resilience.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
Many people's annoyance at having to accept cookies when they visit a new website is an illustration of what is sometimes called the "privacy paradox".
From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026
The illustration of the child asleep in his bed beneath the stars faces outward, but it is difficult to tell if the child’s dreams are peaceful or restless.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
