If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like. We were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him. [VERB wh] He was asked to define his concept of cool. [VERB noun]
1. to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, etc.). 2. to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe. 3. to specify: to define responsibilities. 4. to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of. 5. to make clear the outline or form of. de•fin`a•bil′i•ty, n. de•fin′er, n.
to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of: to define property with stakes. to make clear the outline or form of: The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
A definition states the meaning of a word using other words. This is sometimes challenging. Common dictionaries contain lexical descriptive definitions, but there are various types of definition – all with different purposes and focuses. A definition is a semantic statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). [1][2] Definitions can be classified into two large ...
: a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol. : the action or the power of making definite and clear. -ən-ᵊl. Nglish: Translation of definition for Spanish Speakers. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about definition. Love words? Need even more definitions?