by definition

phrase

: because of what something or someone is : according to the definition of a word that is being used to describe someone or something
A volunteer by definition is not paid.
A glider is by definition an aircraft with no engine.

Examples of by definition in a Sentence

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For one thing, archetypes are by definition reductive, and there are plenty of people around here who are older, or parents, or retired, or indifferent to the bar scene, or all of the above. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026 These children are, by definition, navigating an extraordinarily complicated system without a parent or guardian beside them. — John Mattingly, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2026 Play, by definition, doesn’t produce anything tangible or useful. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 These are perfunctory roles by definition, so lackeys of one kind or another are often favored. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by definition

Rhymes for by definition

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Browse Nearby Words

by decree
by definition
by degrees
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Cite this Entry

“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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