illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 

 also  i-ˈlə-

illustrated; illustrating

transitive verb

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

c

: to make clear : clarify

2

: to show clearly : demonstrate

3

obsolete

a

: enlighten

b

: to light up

4

a

archaic : to make illustrious

b obsolete

(1)

: to make bright

(2)

: adorn

intransitive verb

: to give an example or instance

illustrator

ˈi-lə-ˌstrā-tər 

 also  i-ˈlə-

noun

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• explain

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.

Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.

The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.

The students will write and illustrate their own stories.

Recent Examples on the Web

That's why, for example, the US government has funded a series of Landsat satellites since 1972 to create an uninterrupted data catalog illustrating changes in global land use. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2025

While creatives have historically devised and illustrated their ideas, using tech tools like Photoshop to fine-tune them, the script appears to have flipped — with AI starting the process and humans perfecting the final product. —semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025

While the problems plaguing humanity — from political strife to poverty to natural disasters — might seem overwhelming, Dorantes said the property’s history illustrates how much the world can actually change. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

What unfolded in one executive committee meeting illustrates how AI can awaken the imagination, shift entrenched mindsets, and unlock new avenues for growth—even in seasoned executives. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Rhymes for illustrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt 

il-ˈəs-

illustrated; illustrating

1

: to make clear by using examples

illustrated his point with a personal experience

2

a

: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to serve as an illustration

illustrator

-ˌtrāt-ər 

noun