# illustrated

/ˈɪɫəˌstɹeɪtəd/ (US) · /ˈɪləstɹˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. containing pictures

adjective · CEFR B1

containing pictures, drawings, or diagrams to help explain the text or make it look better.

For teachers: containing visual matter such as drawings, photographs, or diagrams intended to complement or clarify the written text.

- The children loved the illustrated version of the story because of the colourful drawings.
- The publisher released a lavishly illustrated edition of the classic novel, featuring over fifty original woodcut prints by a renowned local artist.

### 3. a type of newspaper

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English

an old-fashioned name for a newspaper that was famous for its many pictures.

For teachers: a historical term for a periodical or newspaper whose primary appeal was its high volume of engravings or photographs.

- He found an old copy of an illustrated from the nineteenth century in the attic.
- Scholars often consult the Victorian-era illustrateds to understand how major news events were visually presented to the public before the age of television.

Usage: Usually appears as part of a proper title, such as 'The Illustrated London News'.

## Examples

- The children's book is beautifully illustrated.
- The textbook includes several illustrated diagrams to help students understand how the heart pumps blood.
- The rare first edition featured hand-illustrated margins that provided a visual commentary on the main narrative, significantly increasing its value to modern collectors.

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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.