# define

/dɪˈfaɪn/ (US) · /dɪfˈaɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/define
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to state a word's meaning

verb · CEFR B1 · General-service

to give the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol.

For teachers: to state the precise meaning of a word, phrase, or sign. Transitive; requires a direct object.

- The dictionary helps you define words you have never seen before.
- The introductory chapter seeks to define the technical terminology used throughout the rest of the textbook to ensure student clarity.

### 2. to describe qualities

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to describe the most important qualities of a person, thing, or situation.

For teachers: to describe or identify the essential nature or distinctive properties of something.

- Hard work and kindness are the values that define her character.
- The architect argued that the use of natural light should define the building's interior aesthetic rather than being a secondary consideration.

### 3. to set limits

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to show the edges or limits of something very clearly.

For teachers: to mark out the boundaries or limits of an area, concept, or object with distinctness.

- The new fence will clearly define the border between the two gardens.
- The treaty failed to define the maritime borders accurately, leading to decades of diplomatic tension between the neighbouring states.

### 4. programming macro

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a command in computer code that replaces one piece of text with another.

For teachers: a preprocessor directive or macro in source code that maps an identifier to a specific string or value.

- The programmer used a define to set the maximum number of users.
- By using a global define for the version number, the development team could update the entire software suite from a single header file.

Usage: Often pronounced with the stress on the first syllable when used as a noun in technical contexts.

## Examples

- Dictionaries define words so you can understand what they mean.
- Before starting the project, the manager must clearly define the goals and limits of the assignment.
- Because the treaty failed to define the exact maritime borders, the two nations spent decades arguing over fishing rights in the disputed waters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.