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definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 
1
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
dictionary definitions
b
: a statement expressing the essential nature of something
c
: a product of defining
2
: the action or process of stating the meaning of a word or word group
3
a
: the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear
the definition of a telescope
her comic genius is beyond definition
b(1)
: clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail
improve the definition of an image
(2)
: clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction
c
: sharp demarcation of outlines or limits
a jacket with distinct waist definition
4
: an act of determining
specifically
: the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
Synonyms
Examples of definition in a Sentence
For the last eight years or so, I've been watching the evolution of bikes made for women. At the beginning of that time, there were a small number of women's bikes available, most offered with low-end, sometimes no-name, spec, as if by definition all women riders were beginners.
—
Christine Bucher, Bicycling, March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatier, but she takes the definition of artisan to a higher level.
—Amy Johansson, Chocolatier, February/March 2006
One kind of poverty is that of the imagination—the inability to envision a future truly different from the present. Jasmine had long judged people based on whether or not they gave her food and clothing, but, as she watched Carolyn and Gus and other families, she found herself mulling different gauges of worth. She'd been working lately on a definition of love.
—Katherine Boo, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2005
Ideology thus provides definition of both systemic reality and values: it provides a set of preconceptions of what is and of what ought to be.
—Warren J. Samuels, Modern Economic Thought, (1977) 1993
What is the legal definition of a corporation?
A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation.
a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors
Christine Bucher, Bicycling, March 2008
Not only is Ellen Byrne a chocolatier, but she takes the definition of artisan to a higher level.
—Amy Johansson, Chocolatier, February/March 2006
One kind of poverty is that of the imagination—the inability to envision a future truly different from the present. Jasmine had long judged people based on whether or not they gave her food and clothing, but, as she watched Carolyn and Gus and other families, she found herself mulling different gauges of worth. She'd been working lately on a definition of love.
—Katherine Boo, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2005
Ideology thus provides definition of both systemic reality and values: it provides a set of preconceptions of what is and of what ought to be.
—Warren J. Samuels, Modern Economic Thought, (1977) 1993
What is the legal definition of a corporation?
A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation.
a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors
Recent Examples on the Web
This cabin is the definition charming (probably because it was built in the 1990s and moved to its current location in the 1970s).
—Alicia Kort, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2024
Descriptions of what is meant by social impact vary – but in one succinct definition, it is referred to as the positive or negative effect that an organization has on individuals, community and the broader society.
—Anna Marks, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Ultimately, there’s no one exact definition of what babygirl is, but is often used in a loving and affectionate way.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
London is one of my favorite places to visit during the fall; a brisk stroll through Hampstead Heath followed by a late pub lunch is the definition of a perfect October or November day.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for definition 
Alicia Kort, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2024
Descriptions of what is meant by social impact vary – but in one succinct definition, it is referred to as the positive or negative effect that an organization has on individuals, community and the broader society.
—Anna Marks, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Ultimately, there’s no one exact definition of what babygirl is, but is often used in a loving and affectionate way.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
London is one of my favorite places to visit during the fall; a brisk stroll through Hampstead Heath followed by a late pub lunch is the definition of a perfect October or November day.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for definition
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'definition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near definition
Cite this Entry
“Definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən
1
: an act of determining or settling the limits
2
a
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol
b
: the action or process of defining
3
a
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
b
Medical Definition
definition
noun
def·i·ni·tion
ˌdef-ə-ˈnish-ən
: the action or the power of making definite and clear
the definition of a microscope lens
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