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
Civil-military relations are challenging by definition, but in the United States, civilian control, within the law, is firmly established.
—
Arthur Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Competition, on the other hand and by definition, is exclusive.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 12 June 2025
But parenting is, by definition, caring for a vulnerable person.
—Mara Gordon, NPR, 31 May 2025
Temporary Protected Status, by definition, is temporary and committed to the discretion of the DHS Secretary.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
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Arthur Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Competition, on the other hand and by definition, is exclusive.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 12 June 2025
But parenting is, by definition, caring for a vulnerable person.
—Mara Gordon, NPR, 31 May 2025
Temporary Protected Status, by definition, is temporary and committed to the discretion of the DHS Secretary.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for by definition
Cite this Entry
“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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