representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 

-zən-

plural representations

1

: someone or something that represents: such as

a

: an artistic likeness or image

stylized representations of flowers

The women then embroider their portraits in any way they choose, taking agency over their ultimate representation …

—Charleston Regional Business Journal

b(1)

: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action

Her representation of the situation was very confusing.

(2)

: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into

c

: a dramatic production or performance

a theatrical representation

d(1)

: a usually formal statement made against something or to effect a change

(2)

: a usually formal protest

2

: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented: such as

a

: representationalism sense 2

b(1)

: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented

(2)

: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (such as a child for a deceased parent)

c(1)

: the action of representing or the fact of being represented in a grouping, aggregation, or body (especially a legislative body)

The state is divided into legislative districts, with each district electing one senator. This system fosters representation from various regions of the state …

—Manahil Ahmad

(2)

: the participation of people from groups who have historically been excluded or discriminated against (as due to race, gender, sexuality, or ability)

Although public libraries are no longer segregated by law, there is still a major gap in African Americans' representation in the library profession.

—Terry B. Hill

also : the inclusion of characters, perspectives, etc. from such groups

So, one of my passions, especially in the entertainment industry, is to create more authentic disability representation, because we don't usually see it in mainstream media.

—Maddy Ulman, quoted in The Dallas Morning News

d

: the action of presenting or describing a person or thing especially in a particular way

We discussed the representation of women in Jane Austen's novels.

3

: the body of persons representing a constituency

representational

ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-zən-

adjective

representationally adverb

Examples of representation in a Sentence

Each state has equal representation in the Senate.

The letters of the alphabet are representations of sounds.

Recent Examples on the Web

This year’s index ranks countries based on ten measures, including pay, education, parental leave, and representation in leadership roles. —Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Podcaster Kenny Beecham and his Enjoy Basketball media and lifestyle brand have signed with WME for representation in all areas. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2025

While diversity has improved in the past decade, the data indicates there's still a long way to go before there is full gender and racial representation at the Oscars. —Giulia Carbonaro, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

From August 2023 up until Feb. 21, there have been roughly 1,697 complaints about false statements or representation about debt collection related to rent, per CFPB data. —Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing representation

• proportional representation
• self-representation

Rhymes for representation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 

1

: one (as a picture or symbol) that represents something else

2

: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented (as in a legislative body)

representational

ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion

1

: one that represents: as

a

: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action compare warranty sense 3

b

: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into

when a contract for sale contains certain representations by the purchaser

specifically : a statement of fact made by an applicant to an insurer for the purpose of obtaining insurance

2

: the act or action of representing: as

a

: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented

b

: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (as when a child or children take the share of an estate that would have fallen to a deceased parent) see also per stirpes

c

: the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative body

d

: the act or action by a lawyer of providing legal advice to a client and appearing (as in court) to speak and act on the client's behalf

3

: the body of persons representing a constituency