What does "definition" mean?
A statement of the meaning of a word, word group, sign, or symbol; especially, a dictionary definition.
Definition
/ˌdɛfᵻˈnɪʃ(ə)n/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A statement of the meaning of a word, word group, sign, or symbol; especially, a dictionary definition.
- Grammar: definition is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: meaning, acutance, appellation, atmospheric visibility.
- Useful contrasts: ambiguity, blur, blurring.
- Usage evidence: Look up the definition of 'guy' in your dictionary.
How to use "definition"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "definition" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "definition" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "definition" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "definition" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "definition" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "meaning" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "definition", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A statement of the meaning of a word, word group, sign, or symbol; especially, a dictionary definition. countable, uncountable
"Your definition of "elephant" needs to be more precise than "a big animal with large ears"."
- 2 clarity of outline wordnet
- 3 A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition. countable, uncountable, usually
"Baroque is a good game, but only for a very narrow subset of the gaming audience. It is the very definition of a niche title."
- 4 a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol wordnet
- 5 A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation countable, uncountable
Show 11 more definitions
- 6 The action or process of defining. countable, uncountable
- 7 The act of defining; determination of the limits. countable, uncountable
- 8 A product of defining. countable, uncountable
- 9 The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear. countable, uncountable
"Her comic genius is beyond definition."
- 10 Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail. countable, uncountable
"The definition of a telescope."
- 11 Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction. countable, uncountable
- 12 Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits. countable, uncountable
"A jacket with distinct waist definition."
- 13 The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body. countable, uncountable
- 14 A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function). countable, uncountable
- 15 A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation. countable, uncountable
- 16 The part of a cryptic clue which defines but does not indicate the solution. countable, uncountable
"However, some clues include words that do not form part of the wordplay or the definition."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Look up the definition of 'guy' in your dictionary."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "definition"?
Common synonyms include: meaning, acutance, appellation, atmospheric visibility, baptism, black spot.
How do you use "definition" in a sentence?
Look up the definition of 'guy' in your dictionary.
How do you pronounce "definition"?
Pronounced /ˌdɛfᵻˈnɪʃ(ə)n/.
Etymology
From Middle English diffinicioun, from Middle French definition, from Latin dēfīnītiō, from dēfīniō. Equivalent to define + -ition.