defined; defining
1
a
: to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of
whatever defines us as human
b
: to discover and set forth the meaning of (something, such as a word)
how the dictionary defines "grotesque"
c
computing
: to create with established rules or parameters
define a window
define a procedure
2
a
: to fix or mark the limits of : demarcate
rigidly defined property lines
b
: to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline
the issues aren't too well defined
eyes defined by mascara
3
: characterize, distinguish
you define yourself by the choices you make—
Denison Univ. Bull.
Denison Univ. Bull.the moment that defined the campaign
: to make a definition (see definition sense 1a)
Examples of define in a Sentence
a term that is difficult to define
The government study seeks to define urban poverty.
Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior.
She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness.
That fence defines the far edge of the property.
Recent Examples on the Web
This translates into Jan having to collaborate with many versions of himself that have unique skills and far too many conflicting personalities defined by past events.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks.
5.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted, some of which have had little or no connection to Israel.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The line defines short cruises as ranging from four to six nights and mid-length sailings as seven to nine nights, while longer cruises are 10 or more nights.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
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Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Strategic decisions made now, around technology investments, partnerships, and customer education, could determine whether a bank remains competitive in a world increasingly defined by digital currency frameworks.
5.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted, some of which have had little or no connection to Israel.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The line defines short cruises as ranging from four to six nights and mid-length sailings as seven to nine nights, while longer cruises are 10 or more nights.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for define
Cite this Entry
“Define.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/define. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
define
verb
de·fine
di-ˈfīn 
defined; defining
1
a
: to determine the essential qualities of
define the idea of loyalty
define a circle
b
: to set forth the meaning of
define a word
c
: to specify (as a programming task) for a computer to use
define a procedure
2
a
: to fix or mark the limits of
the boundary was clearly defined
b
: to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline
the tree was well defined against the sky
your argument is not well defined
definable
adjective
-ˈfī-nə-bəl
definer
noun
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