ENGLISH
REFERENCE

illustration

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɪɫəˈstɹeɪʃən// UK //ˌɪləstɹˈeɪʃən// il·lus·tra·tion General-service

n. a picture in a book or magazine that helps explain the story or information. It can also mean an example that makes an idea easier to understand.

n. a visual representation, such as a drawing or photograph, intended to clarify or decorate a text. Also used to describe a specific instance or example that serves to elucidate a concept.


SIMPLE

The book includes a beautiful illustration of a forest.

CONTEXTUAL

The speaker used a personal story as an illustration of how the new policy would help families.

COMPLEX

While the technical manual is thorough, it lacks a clear illustration of the internal circuitry, making the assembly process significantly more difficult for the end user.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French illustration, from Latin illūstrātiō, from illūstrō (“I illustrate”). By surface analysis, illustrate + -ion.

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific picture or example; uncountable when referring to the art or process of creating such images.

© 2026 English Reference