explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: something that explains
gave no explanation

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody. an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though multiple explanations for the defendants’ actions were offered at the trial, nothing quite fit. Katie Ebner-Landy, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025 Given these findings, wind emerged as the most plausible explanation for how the virus traveled between the farms. John Drake, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 Israel has rejected Hamas’ explanation of how the Bibas family members died. Lauren Izso, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 One likely explanation for this diplomatic bias is the training data. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explanation 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of explanation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near explanation

Cite this Entry

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanation. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

explanation

noun
ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: a statement that makes something clear

More from Merriam-Webster on explanation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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