Search Dictionary
Definition of illustration
illustration
/ˌɪl.əˈstreɪ.ʃən/
il · lus · tra · tion
Adverb:illustratively
•Plural:illustrations
•Adjective:illustrative
illustration Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
illustration Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A picture, drawing, or diagram used to decorate or explain a text.
Example
"The children's book features a beautiful watercolor illustration on almost every page."
2
An example, anecdote, or fact serving to clarify or prove a point.
Example
"The professor used the recent economic crisis as an illustration of how global markets are deeply interconnected."
3
The action or process of illuminating, explaining, or decorating a text with pictures.
Example
"He spent several months on the illustration of the new botanical encyclopedia."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for illustration Antonyms
View all antonyms for illustration• Rhymes for illustration
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English, via Old French from Latin illustratio(n-), from the verb illustrare 'light up, illuminate, explain'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illustration. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illustration