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Synonyms

define

American

[dih-fahyn] / dɪˈfaɪn /

verb (used with object)

to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.).

They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”
to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe.

to define judicial functions.
to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly.

to define one's responsibilities.

Synonyms:

enumerate, detail, describe, name, state
to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of.

to define property with stakes.
to make clear the outline or form of.

The roof was boldly defined against the sky.

verb (used without object)

to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.

define British

/ dɪˈfaɪn /

verb

to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
to determine the boundary or extent of
(often passive) to delineate the form or outline of

the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it
to fix with precision; specify

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of define

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen, from Anglo-French, Old French definer “to put an end to,” from Latin dēfīnīre ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to dē- “from, away from, out of” + fīnīre “to end”; see origin at de-, finish

Explanation

If you can't define a word, turn to the dictionary. That's always the best way to learn the definition. Likewise, anything you can describe completely is something you can define. The early French and Latin roots of the verb mean something closer to "to limit" or "to create a boundary," but this is really what we do when we define something: we limit its meaning to something specific. So when you're thinking about the word define, remember that you're looking to create a boundary of meaning around it, whether you're specifying the meaning of a word or a larger concept. To define a word such as astronomy is to define both the word and the realm of science that it's concerned with.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing define

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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!

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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!

The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 1

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.

See Examples For:

define defines defined defining

So what he does there may help define whether the new PM is about grabbing headlines or making genuine moves to stimulate the economy.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Tan, who said she keeps an "open mind" about the supernatural, said it was not surprising when people seek spiritual explanations for something they cannot readily define.

From Barron's ● Jul. 19, 2026

As a form of media, mail-order catalogs themselves were a story of longing and aspiration that came to define shopping as an American way of life.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

Mr. Stannard eventually abandoned the idea because, as he wrote, “this would be to define her artificially.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

I can’t properly define that Orgota word here translated as “commensal,” “commensality.”

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Still, the two retain a lifelong bond that, while reflecting the reality of the world around them, all but defines Best Friends Forever.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

He may have been dissuaded from imposing a toll, but this is the way he thinks, and this is how he defines U.S. interests.

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2026

That lyric defines the album’s back half — and really, Madonna’s entire career.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

The UBS report defines wealth as the value of financial assets and real assets, which for most people means housing, less any debts.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

“Anyway, Chris,” Seven says, “DeVante’s got a point. What makes his name or our names any less normal than yours? Who or what defines ‘normal’ to you?

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

Its results also depend largely on how a market is defined.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Every index reflects decisions such as which countries qualify, how sectors are defined, what gets included and when to rebalance.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

Howver, his parents, Tom and Abbi, said the 14-year-old's birthmark had "never defined him" and that his achievements were a reflection of his "determination and strength".

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

This means that the sensor records photons only within defined time windows.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

It was also defined as someone who had a lot of money or at least the trappings of money: a big car, an expensive watch, or expensive clothes.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers

In February, Burnham said, external it would be a "defining moment for the north" and "a powerful opportunity to unlock future growth".

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

One of Odysseus’ defining triumphs becomes, in Nolan’s telling, something closer to an original sin.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

“The defining feature of this home is its positioning. It captures breathtaking jetliner and mountain views from almost every angle. It’s an absolute standout offering in a premier location.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

David Bennett, chief executive of Japanese sovereign AI firm ai&, says the transition to application-specific hardware is the industry’s defining trend.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

This was the defining moment in the correspondence.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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