avatar

noun

av·​a·​tar ˈa-və-ˌtär How to pronounce avatar (audio)
plural avatars
1
: an electronic image (as in a video game) that represents and may be manipulated by a computer user
The average Fortnite player spends hundreds of hours in the game with a personal avatar, fighting with and interacting with the avatars of other players.Brian X. Chen
compare non-player character, npc
2
: the incarnation of a Hindu deity (such as Vishnu)
3
a
: an incarnation in human form
b
: an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person
… his series hero is about as pure an avatar of freedom as you will find in modern fiction …Sam Leith
4
: a variant phase or version of a continuing basic entity
the latest avatar of the conservative movement

Did you know?

Avatar derives from a Sanskrit word meaning "descent," and when it first appeared in English in the late 18th century, it referred to the descent of a deity to the earth—typically, the incarnation in earthly form of Vishnu or another Hindu deity. It later came to refer to any incarnation in human form, and then to any embodiment (such as that of a concept or philosophy), whether or not in the form of a person. In the age of technology, avatar has developed another sense—it can now be used for the image that a person chooses as his or her "embodiment" in an electronic medium.

Examples of avatar in a Sentence

She has come to be regarded as an avatar of charity and concern for the poor. She chose a penguin as her personal avatar in the chat room.
Recent Examples on the Web Some are even turning to immersive experiences, using digital avatars and demos to help board members become more fluent in the technology. Lara Abrash, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The flagship liter-class motorcycle features full carbon fiber bodywork and comes in an all-black stealth avatar. New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024 Of course, there are other potential uses for AI avatars, beyond extremely personal shopping, some of which sound a bit less creepy. Benjamin Svetkey, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Oct. 2024 Zoom is getting one step closer to letting AI avatars attend meetings for you. Emma Roth, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for avatar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'avatar.' 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

Sanskrit avatāraḥ descent, from avatarati he descends, from ava- away + tarati he crosses over — more at ukase, through entry 1

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of avatar was in 1784

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Cite this Entry

“Avatar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avatar. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

avatar

noun
av·​a·​tar
ˈa-və-ˌtär
1
: someone who represents a type of person, an idea, or a quality
2
: an electronic image that represents and may be manipulated by a computer user (as in a game)

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