illustrator
Americannoun
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an artist who makes illustrations.
an illustrator of children's books.
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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
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.
He bounced around jobs after graduation, and worked for a number of years as a freelance illustrator in London and New York.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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 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
It’s a rally towel with a cute, punting bunny graphic from acclaimed L.A. illustrator Lalo Alcaraz on one side, honoring this year’s halftime show performer Bad Bunny.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026
In November he decides to learn the art of lithography, Theo’s suggestion long ago, so that he can become an illustrator.
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.
