animation

American  

[an-uh-mey-shuhn] / ˌæn əˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. animated quality; liveliness; vivacity; spirit.

   to talk with animation.

   Synonyms:

   sprightliness, exhilaration, ardor, enthusiasm, energy, vigor

   Antonyms:

   sluggishness

2. an act or instance of animating or enlivening.

3. the state or condition of being animated.

4. Graphic Arts

   1. a dynamic visual medium produced from static drawings, models, or objects posed in a series of incremental movements that are then rapidly sequenced to give the illusion of lifelike motion.

   2. the process of preparing such animation, as for films, cartoons, video games, etc.

   3. a product of such animation, as a film or cartoon.

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animation British  

/ ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. liveliness; vivacity

2. the condition of being alive

3. 1. the techniques used in the production of animated cartoons

   2. a variant of animated cartoon

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Other Word Forms

• interanimation noun
• nonanimation noun
• overanimation noun

Etymology

Origin of animation

1590–1600; 1910–15 animation for def. 4; (< Middle French ) < Latin animātiōn- (stem of animātiō a bestowing of life). See animate, -ion

Example Sentences

OpenAI also appears to be winding down ChatGPT’s video functionality and taking all its animation APIs offline.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

The wall will include an interactive feature: When visitors scan a QR code, they will see each player come to life and throw a strike, with animation provided by the AR Firm.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Peter uses 3D modeling, animation and illustration to break down complex topics and give context to developing stories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The company is set to announce partnerships with some large publishing houses and plans to move into music, photography, film and animation too.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The word “together” said with more animation than Ifemelu had ever heard from Morgan.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie