define

1 of 2

verb

de·​fine di-ˈfīn How to pronounce define (audio)
defined; defining
Synonyms of definenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of
whatever defines us as human
b
: to discover and set forth the meaning of (something, such as a word)
how the dictionary defines "grotesque"
c
computing : to create with established rules or parameters
define a window
define a procedure
2
a
: to fix or mark the limits of : demarcate
rigidly defined property lines
b
: to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline
the issues aren't too well defined
eyes defined by mascara
3
: characterize, distinguish
You define yourself by the choices you make.—Denison University Bull.
the moment that defined the campaign

intransitive verb

: to make a definition (see definition sense 1a)
definement
di-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce define (audio)
noun
definer
di-ˈfī-nər How to pronounce define (audio)
noun

definer

2 of 2

noun

de·​fin·​er -nə(r) How to pronounce definer (audio)
plural -s
: one that defines

Synonyms of define

Relevance

Verb

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Examples of define in a Sentence

Verb a term that is difficult to define The government study seeks to define urban poverty. Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior. She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness. That fence defines the far edge of the property.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
For this leaner, meaner Deafheaven, stylistic variety takes a backseat to speed and chaos, and when properly executed, subtle melodic or rhythmic tweaks wield the heft of the more tectonic transitions in the band’s defining songs. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026 From honey harvesting and reef diving to house-music history, bespoke tailoring and stargazing, each experience is tailored to connect guests with the people, traditions and stories that define a place. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Lucian Piane, the songwriter and music producer whose work helped define the musical identity of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died at age 46. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 But Ulanqab – with its growing number of AI and big-data centers – showcases the advantages on China’s side in the race for the technology that could define the 21st century. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for define

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English diffinen, defynen, borrowed from Anglo-French definer, diffiner, borrowed (with conjugation change) from Medieval Latin dēfīnīre, diffīnīre (dif- by association with dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis-), going back to Latin dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, give an exact description of," from dē- de- + fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries of, limit" — more at finish entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of define was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing define

Rhymes for define

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Browse Nearby Words

definable
define
definement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/define. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

define

verb
de·​fine di-ˈfīn How to pronounce define (audio)
defined; defining
1
a
: to determine the essential qualities of
define the idea of loyalty
define a circle
b
: to set forth the meaning of
define a word
c
: to specify (as a programming task) for a computer to use
define a procedure
2
a
: to fix or mark the limits of
the boundary was clearly defined
b
: to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline
the tree was well defined against the sky
your argument is not well defined
definable
-ˈfī-nə-bəl
adjective
definer noun
Etymology

Verb

Middle English definen "to define, mark the limits of," Latin definire (same meaning), from Latin de- "from, away" and finire "to limit," from finis "end, limit" — related to final, finish, infinity

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