by definition

idiom

: because of what something or someone is : according to the definition of a word that is being used to describe someone or something
A volunteer by definition is not paid.
A glider is by definition an aircraft with no engine.

Examples of by definition in a Sentence

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.
No basic health care provision—although acting, pro-wrestling is by definition highly physical—is provided for performers, and some venues even lack access to water. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 Jan. 2025 However, by definition, [fully remote workers’] official worksite is their home office location. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 Having said all that, the only film of mine that is more obviously concerned with the political is Peterloo, by definition. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 Predictions, by definition, are bound to be periodically incorrect. Forbes Press Releases, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for by definition 

Dictionary Entries Near by definition

Cite this Entry

“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!