explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: something that explains
gave no explanation

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody. an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But this conventional view overlooks a more important explanation. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025 Thankfully, there was an entirely logical explanation, which Christain was only too happy to provide. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 Her obvious explanations, her exorbitant rates, her easy life. Clare Sestanovich, New Yorker, 13 July 2025 Departments drawn into such encounters have gone on the offense — posting about the incidents on social media and issuing explanations. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of explanation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

explanation

noun
ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: a statement that makes something clear

More from Merriam-Webster on explanation

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