Definition of ILLUMINATE (original) (raw)
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
2
b
: to bring to the fore : highlight
a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
1
archaic : brightened with light
2
archaic : intellectually or spiritually enlightened
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Synonyms
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inflatable boats have been launched and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the crash site. —
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Often the prisoners stand in the window holding their phones, so their faces are illuminated. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025 But Nicholson's Elon Musk-like character, unfortunately, falls into broad and boring stereotypes as her backstory is illuminated. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 The failure to separately account for immigration in the annual report diminishes its ability to illuminate long-range trends in homelessness. —Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for illuminate 
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Latin illuminatus, past participle of illuminare, from in- + luminare to light up, from lumin-, lumen light — more at luminary
First Known Use
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1602, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of illuminate was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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