il·lus·trate
ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt
also i-ˈlə-
illustrated; illustrating
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
personal experiences illustrated his point
c
: to make clear : clarify
illustrate a difficult subject
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
recent events illustrate the need for change
3
4
: to give an example or instance
il·lus·tra·tor
ˈiləˌstrātə(r)
-ātə- also ə̇ˈləˌs-
plural -s
: one that illustrates
specifically
: an artist that makes illustrations (as for books, magazines, advertising copy)
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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