definition

def·i·ni·tion

Use definition in a sentence

noun

The definition of a definition is a statement of what a word or phrase means.
An example of definition is what comes up when looking up a word in YourDictionary.com.
Definition is defined as the clearness or sharp outline of an object or image.
An example of definition is the outline of people against a background in a photo.

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"definition." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 15 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/DEFINITION>.

APA Style

definition. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/DEFINITION

definition

a defining or being defined
a statement of what a thing is
a statement of the meaning as of a word or phrase
1. a putting or being in clear, sharp outline
2. a making or being definite, explicit, and clear
the power of a lens to show (an object) in clear, sharp outline
the degree of distinctness of a photograph, etc.
the clearness with which recorded or broadcast sounds or televised images are reproduced; absence of fuzziness

Origin of definition

Middle English diffinicioun from Old French definicion and Medieval Latin diffinitio, both from Classical Latin definitio

definition Idioms

by definition

as consistent with its very meaning, nature, or purpose: a teacher by definition faces the everyday challenges of the classroom

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"definition." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 15 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/DEFINITION>.

APA Style

definition. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/DEFINITION

definition

noun

a. A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.
b. A statement or description of the fundamental character or scope of something: “[The panel] calls for a clearer definition of the status of people captured in American military operations” ( Economist )
The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning: The definition of terms is essential to any successful scholarly study.
The state of being clearly outlined: “With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition” ( Anthony Hyde )
The level of detail in a recording, production, or digital encoding of an image or sound.

Origin of definition

Middle English diffinicioun from Old French definition from Latin dēfīnītiō dēfīnītiōn- from dēfīnītus past participle of dēfīnīre to define ; see define .

Related Forms:

def′i·ni′tion·al
adjective

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.