illustrator
Americannoun
-
an artist who makes illustrations.
an illustrator of children's books.
-
a person or thing that illustrates.
Etymology
Origin of illustrator
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin, from Latin illustrā(re) “to illuminate, make clear, give glory to” ( illustrate ) + -tor -tor
Explanation
An illustrator is an artist who draws the pictures in a book. Some children's book authors are also illustrators, while others work with an illustrator. Picture books have to be well-written and well-illustrated: it's up to an illustrator to interpret the story through pictures (or illustrations). Illustrators sometimes also draw or paint pictures for comic books, advertisements, magazines, greeting cards, and graphic novels. In the 16th century, an illustrator was "one who enlightens," from a now-obsolete meaning of illustrate, "light up." The Latin root is illustrare, "light up," and also "adorn."
Vocabulary lists containing illustrator
Foundational Reading
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Reading: Literature - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Reading: Informational - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Portland, Ore.-based Emek was already dubbed “The Thinking Man’s Poster Artist” by punk icon Henry Rollins years before he became Coachella’s resident illustrator in 2007.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
“He was like a knight in shining armor,” says Megan Snyders, 33, a British children’s book illustrator who watched Manguillier search for her friend Olivia Tysoe’s engagement ring.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
The final book by an author and illustrator known for his contribution to children's books including Thomas the Tank Engine and Winnie the Pooh has been posthumously published.
From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026
The graphic novel illustrator, 38, says he is alarmed by society's increasing dependence on artificial intelligence, which he insists is inferior to the things it is being used to replace.
From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026
He says Vincent’s work has progressed enough that he could get work as an illustrator in London.
From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman
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.
