representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce representation (audio)
-zən-
1
: one that represents: such as
a
: an artistic likeness or image
b(1)
: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action
(2)
: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into
c
: a dramatic production or performance
d(1)
: a usually formal statement made against something or to effect a change
(2)
: a usually formal protest
2
: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented: such as
b(1)
: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented
(2)
: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (such as a child for a deceased parent)
c
: the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative body
3
: the body of persons representing a constituency
representational
ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shnəl How to pronounce representation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-zən-
adjective
representationally adverb

Examples of representation in a Sentence

Each state has equal representation in the Senate. The letters of the alphabet are representations of sounds.
Recent Examples on the Web Prepared by research firm Midia and available here, the study offers key findings on progress and challenges around representation for women and nonbinary people in the industry. Katie Bain, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 The bills considered by the committee Thursday require those entering a surrogate agreement to be at least 21 years old, to complete consultations with medical and mental health professionals and to have independent legal representation. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 Panelists discussed the importance of disability representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Ihimaera’s insights offer a deeper understanding of cultural representation in media, applauding the film for amplifying indigenous voices and themes worldwide, while faithfully capturing the essence of his original tale. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 The goal was to have more specialized and targeted representation for state scientists. Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 Does American Samoa have representation in Congress? James Powel, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Hank Harris, the president of the local firefighters' union, said that those working in the airport were among the few in the Indianapolis area that didn't have union representation. Binghui Huang, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Throughout the season, Gladstone had continued to advocate for Native representation on the big and small screens, using her acceptance speeches, interviews and red carpet appearances as opportunities to educate. Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024

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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of representation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near representation

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

representation

noun
rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce representation (audio)
1
: one (as a picture or symbol) that represents something else
2
: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented (as in a legislative body)
representational adjective

Legal Definition

representation

noun
rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion
1
: one that represents: as
a
: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action compare warranty sense 3
b
: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into
when a contract for sale contains certain representations by the purchaser
specifically : a statement of fact made by an applicant to an insurer for the purpose of obtaining insurance
2
: the act or action of representing: as
a
: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented
b
: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (as when a child or children take the share of an estate that would have fallen to a deceased parent) see also per stirpes
c
: the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative body
d
: the act or action by a lawyer of providing legal advice to a client and appearing (as in court) to speak and act on the client's behalf
3
: the body of persons representing a constituency
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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