illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 

 also  i-ˈlə-

illustrated; illustrating

transitive verb

1

a

: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance

c

: to make clear : clarify

2

: to show clearly : demonstrate

3

obsolete

a

: enlighten

b

: to light up

4

a

archaic : to make illustrious

b obsolete

(1)

: to make bright

(2)

: adorn

intransitive verb

: to give an example or instance

illustrator

ˈi-lə-ˌstrā-tər 

 also  i-ˈlə-

noun

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• exemplify
• instance

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.

Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.

The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.

The students will write and illustrate their own stories.

Recent Examples on the Web

The match dashboard below illustrates their dominance. —Beren Cross, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025

However, leaving it on while connected to an open network could expose it to security vulnerabilities, as illustrated by this viral Reddit post. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

See Robin Williams unusual approach when visiting Christopher Reeve in hospital 01:07 CNN — While a lot has been said about the friendship between Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve, the famed pair’s bond illustrates a very basic and instrumental type of kindness, according to Reeve’s daughter. —Dan Heching, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025

The ambivalence of the troubled poet watching an armored column pass over fresh graves is illustrated by a later, lighter anecdote. —Robert Pinsky, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt 

il-ˈəs-

illustrated; illustrating

1

: to make clear by using examples

illustrated his point with a personal experience

2

a

: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to serve as an illustration

illustrator

-ˌtrāt-ər 

noun