imagination
noun
imag·i·na·tion
i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality
the invention only exists in his imagination
children with overactive imaginations
It's a figment of your imagination.
2
a
: creative ability
a competent writer but with little imagination
b
: ability to confront and deal with a problem : resourcefulness
Use your imagination and get us out of here.
c
: the thinking or active mind : interest
stories that fire/catch/capture the imagination
3
a
: a creative product of the mind
especially
: an idealized or poetic creation
b
: fanciful or empty assumption
… she would carry the vivid imaginations away with her and brood over them the next day alone.—Theodore Dreiser
c
: something that only exists in one's mind
Is it my imagination, or is it getting hot in here?
Cite this Entry
“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagination. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
