by definition

phrase

: because of what something or someone is : according to the definition of a word that is being used to describe someone or something
A volunteer by definition is not paid.
A glider is by definition an aircraft with no engine.

Examples of by definition in a Sentence

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Since rates are computed by dividing the number of cases by the population at risk in a specified time period, then by definition, if the number of cases stays the same but the size of the denominator shrinks, the rates will be higher. — Nancy Krieger, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026 Fox calls the deaths tragic but rejects responsibility Covering any armed conflict by definition involves peril. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026 Many of the musicians focused on the fact that, by definition, AI generates music based on existing music scraped from across the web. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 Their away shirts have almost by definition been more of a mixed bag, but this one is a delight. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by definition

Rhymes for by definition

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Browse Nearby Words

by decree
by definition
by degrees
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Cite this Entry

“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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