illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
 also  i-ˈlə-
illustrated; illustrating

transitive verb

1
a
: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance
c
: to make clear : clarify
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
3
obsolete
a
b
: to light up
4
a
archaic : to make illustrious
b obsolete
(1)
: to make bright
(2)
: adorn

intransitive verb

: to give an example or instance
illustrator
ˈi-lə-ˌstrā-tər How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
 also  i-ˈlə-
noun

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field. Please give a few examples to illustrate your point. The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt. The students will write and illustrate their own stories.
Recent Examples on the Web Previous reporting by The Times illustrates that the production and employment crisis in Los Angeles predates the walkouts and can be largely attributed to an ongoing industry contraction following studios’ overspending during the streaming wars. Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 CoStar, a real estate analytics company, has also reported that Miami and Fort Lauderdale, in contrast to Palm Beach, illustrate a bifurcated market in South Florida. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for illustrate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illustrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of illustrate was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near illustrate

Cite this Entry

“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 2 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb
il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
il-ˈəs-
illustrated; illustrating
1
: to make clear by using examples
illustrated his point with a personal experience
2
a
: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to serve as an illustration
illustrator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on illustrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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