Definition is a noun with two main meanings. It can mean an explanationa statement that tells what something means or why it is true of what a word, phrase, or symbola sign or mark that stands for an idea, word, or thing means. It can also mean clear, sharp outlinethe outer edge or general form of an object or shape, especially when talking about how something looks.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən/
Easy pronunciation: deff-ih-NISH-ən (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress is on the third syllable, with secondary stress on the first.
Used here in the sense of a concise explanation of a word, phrase, or symbol.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Definition Meaning
an explanation of what a word means
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a concise explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol
Example: Please look up the definition of that technical term.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Definition
Meaning 2
clear, sharp shape or outline
Part of speech: noun
Definition: clarity of outline
Example: Regular exercise gave her arms better definition.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse definition with denotation, but definition is the explanation itself, not just the basic meaning of a word.
- In the body and fitness context, definition means visible muscle shape, not a dictionary meaning.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of definition?
Definition usually means an explanation of what a word, phrase, or symbol means. It can also mean clear outline or shape, especially in descriptions of the body or objects.
What are synonyms for definition?
For the dictionary sense, there are no strong direct synonyms in the supplied data. For the outline sense, context matters, and no safe synonym is supplied here.
Is definition always about words?
No. It often is, but it can also refer to the sharpness or clarity of an outline, especially in physical descriptions.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
