illustration

[ il-uh-strey-shuhn ]

noun

1. something that illustrates, as a picture in a book or magazine.
2. a comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

   Synonyms: explication

3. the act or process of illuminating.
4. the act of clarifying or explaining; elucidation.
5. Archaic. illustriousness; distinction.

illustration

/ ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən /

noun

1. pictorial matter used to explain or decorate a text
2. an example or demonstration

   an illustration of his ability

3. the act of illustrating or the state of being illustrated

Derived Forms

• ˌillusˈtrational, adjective

Other Words From

• nonil·lus·tration noun
• over·illus·tration noun
• preil·lus·tration noun
• reil·lus·tration noun
• super·illus·tration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustration¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin illustrātiōn- (stem of illustrātiō ) “the act of making vivid, illustrating”; illustrate, -ion

Synonym Study

See case ¹.

Example Sentences

The husband-and-wife team created a new series of original illustrations for such coveted accessories as the Puzzle and Pebble bucket bags and the Flamenco and Hammock bags.

From Los Angeles Times

Mistry’s illustrations provide multiple patterns of light and color for kids to explore.

From Los Angeles Times

When presented with the book, Mr Morris said he had "absolutely no recollection" of ever having drawn the illustrations.

From BBC

Wonderful art objects get demoted to the status of illustrations.

From Los Angeles Times

Asking children "What does a scientist look like?" now results in more illustrations of women and people of color than decades ago.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cartoon
• decoration
• depiction
• engraving
• etching
• image
• painting
• photo
• photograph
• picture
• sketch
• snapshot
• vignette