A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary.
There is no general agreement on a standard definition of intelligence. [+ of]
A nice meal with friends is my definition of a good time.
See by definition
2. uncountable noun
Definition is the quality of being clear and distinct.
Give your brows extra definition with eyebrow pencil.
The speakers criticised his new programme for lack of definition.
Synonyms: description, settling, fixing, determination More Synonyms of definition
More Synonyms of definition
definition in British English
(ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən)
noun
1.
a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc
2.
the act of defining a word, phrase, etc
3.
specification of the essential properties of something, or of the criteria which uniquely identify it
4.
the act of making clear or definite
5.
the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite
6.
a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast
Derived forms
definitional (ˌdefiˈnitional)
adjective
definition in American English
(ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən)
noun
1.
a defining or being defined
2.
a statement of what a thing is
3.
a statement of the meaning as of a word or phrase
4.
a.
a putting or being in clear, sharp outline
b.
a making or being definite, explicit, and clear
5.
the power of a lens to show (an object) in clear, sharp outline
6.
the degree of distinctness of a photograph, etc.
7.
the clearness with which recorded or broadcast sounds or televised images are reproduced; absence of fuzziness
Derived forms
definitional (ˌdefiˈnitional)
adjective
Word origin
ME diffinicioun < OFr definicion & ML diffinitio, both < L definitio
COBUILD Collocations
definition
broad definition
muscle definition
narrow definition
precise definition
stretch the definition
Examples of 'definition' in a sentence
definition
It is the definition of double standards.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's a shame the dictionary definition's so derogatory.
The Sun (2016)
The higher your tax bill, by definition, the higher your income.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The very definition of throwing good money after bad.
The Sun (2012)
The nonsense syllables of the parent have no dictionary definitions.
Christianity Today (2000)
The extra definition really opens up the eyes.
The Sun (2013)
An illness with no clear definition can quickly acquire a bad name.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
This is guaranteed to give you the definition in one or two coats.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The lack of definition to his roaming role meant that he was often overlapping with colleagues.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The legal definition of a pyramid scheme is one where no real products have been sold.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
We work with each organisation to ensure that the data reported match the standard definitions.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Her body is sculpted and her abs so carved they appear to be in high definition.
The Sun (2014)
The first problem is one of definition.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
More formal definitions were no use either.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It is time to revisit our definition of good behaviour.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
She is the dictionary definition of pure evil.
The Sun (2014)
Let me give you the definition of procrastination quickly.
Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)
On a range of issues they lack definition.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
That is the legal definition of insolvency.
The Sun (2009)
The standard definition broadcast was shown without any interruption.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But importantly it has twice the detail of a high definition telly.
The Sun (2014)
The biggest disconnect is one of definition.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
To meet the definition, something drastic needs to happen.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
That makes it interesting, like a work in progress towards a clearer definition of things.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
If you want waist definition, choose something with a belt.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
On balance, the volume uses the problems of definition to good and sometimes creative effect.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
A formal definition may be required for some writing situations.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
In other languages
definition
British English: definition /ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən/ NOUN
A definition of a word or term is a statement giving its meaning, especially in a dictionary.
There is no agreement on a standard definition of intelligence.
American English: definition
Arabic: تَعْرِيف
Brazilian Portuguese: definição
Chinese: 定义
Croatian: definicija
Czech: definice
Danish: definition
Dutch: definitie
European Spanish: definición
Finnish: määritelmä
French: définition
German: Definition
Greek: ορισμός
Italian: definizione
Japanese: 定義
Korean: 정의
Norwegian: definisjon
Polish: definicja
European Portuguese: definição
Romanian: definiție
Russian: определение
Latin American Spanish: definición
Swedish: definition
Thai: คำจำกัดความ
Turkish: tanım
Ukrainian: визначення
Vietnamese: định nghĩa
All related terms of 'definition'
by definition
If you say that something has a particular quality by definition , you mean that it has this quality simply because of what it is.
high definition
High-definition television or technology is a digital system that gives a much clearer picture than traditional television systems.
self-definition
the understanding or determination of one's own nature or basic qualities
broad definition
A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary .
muscle definition
Definition is the quality of being clear and distinct .
narrow definition
A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary .
precise definition
A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary .
dictionary definition
the meaning of a word as given in a dictionary or dictionaries
stretch the definition
A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary .
high definition television
a television system offering a picture with superior definition , using 1000 or more scanning lines, and possibly a higher field repetition rate to reduce flicker effects
high definition multimedia interface
a digital interface capable of transmitting uncompressed audio or visual data
HDTV
HDTV is a digital television system that gives a much clearer picture than traditional television systems. HDTV is an abbreviation for 'high definition television'.