illumination

noun

il·​lu·​mi·​na·​tion i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
1
: the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated: such as
a
: spiritual or intellectual enlightenment
b(1)
: a lighting up
(2)
: decorative lighting or lighting effects
c
: decoration by the art of illuminating
2
: the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting surface at any given point
3
: one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in decorative lighting

Examples of illumination in a Sentence

When taking photographs indoors, use a flash for illumination. They traveled to the temple in search of spiritual illumination. an old manuscript with beautiful illuminations
Recent Examples on the Web However, the bulbs give off insufficient light for true illumination. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2024 The present and its discontents need more illumination. Ross Douthat, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 It could be seen as if behind a curtain, visible but seemingly in confinement, dialed down and capable of only curiously dim illumination. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024 Information on this interplay among background, illumination, and dynamic signals is scarce. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2024 Street lights, neon signs and the illumination that emanates from urban and suburban areas muddies the star viewing. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2024 Through the everlasting splendor and soft illumination of the Moon, this majestic memorial is with you and your family forever. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024 Lighting may seem like a tiny detail in the scope of your home, but light bulbs can make a big impact on the feel and illumination of a room, depending on their qualities. Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024 December's full moon, also known as the Cold Moon and Long Night Moon, will reach peak illumination at 7:33 p.m. ET on Tuesday, according to NASA. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illumination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of illumination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near illumination

Cite this Entry

“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illumination. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

illumination

noun
il·​lu·​mi·​na·​tion il-ˌü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
1
a
: the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated
b
: amount of light
2
: gold or colored decoration in a manuscript

Medical Definition

illumination

noun
il·​lu·​mi·​na·​tion il-ˌü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
1
: the action of supplying or brightening with light or the resulting state
2
: the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting surface at any given point

called also illuminance

illuminate transitive verb
illuminated; illuminating

More from Merriam-Webster on illumination

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