enlargement

American  

[en-lahrj-muhnt] / ɛnˈlɑrdʒ mənt /

noun

1. an act of enlarging; increase, expansion, or amplification.

2. anything, as a photograph, that is an enlarged form of something.

3. anything that enlarges something else; addition.

   The new wing formed a considerable enlargement to the building.

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enlargement British  

/ ɪnˈlɑːdʒmənt /

noun

1. the act of enlarging or the condition of being enlarged

2. something that enlarges or is intended to enlarge

3. a photographic print that is larger than the negative from which it is made

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Other Word Forms

• preenlargement noun
• proenlargement adjective
• reenlargement noun

Etymology

Origin of enlargement

First recorded in 1530–40; enlarge + -ment

Example Sentences

The European Union's enlargement chief Marta Kos on Friday said Iceland was set for a "significant decision" with its referendum.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

From 2000 he focused on the European economy ahead of the European Union's 2004 enlargement, and subsequently oversaw coverage of economic indicators, central bank decisions and bond markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

The European commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, criticised the bill's adoption.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

Washington turned out to be the ideal radical expansionist to follow in Boulez’s footsteps for the new LACMA, with a resplendent enlargement of his 2018 half-hour EP, “Harmony of Difference.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2025

Uncle Al is desolate, weeping and honking into his red handkerchief and allowing himself only the occasional upward glance to gauge whether the procession’s speed allows for maximum crowd enlargement.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• augmentation
• growth