illumination
noun
il·lu·mi·na·tion
i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated: such as
a
: spiritual or intellectual enlightenment
b(1)
: a lighting up
(2)
: decorative lighting or lighting effects
c
: decoration by the art of illuminating
2
: the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting surface at any given point
3
: one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in decorative lighting
Examples of illumination in a Sentence
When taking photographs indoors, use a flash for illumination.
They traveled to the temple in search of spiritual illumination.
an old manuscript with beautiful illuminations
Recent Examples on the Web
Beyond astronomy, the continuous illumination could disrupt the delicate daily rhythms of nocturnal animals, impacting ecosystems worldwide.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
Here the only illumination was from a single rush-light set in a metal brazier high up on the wall halfway along.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Thus, the scheme of thoughtfully layered illumination, including the pair of Grand Central Terminal–worthy pendants in the kitchen (each weighing in the realm of 60 pounds), plaster sconces, custom lampshades, and Deschanel’s beloved Murano chandeliers.
—Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
While the moment of full illumination is the same worldwide, moonrise and set times vary depending on your location.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
Here the only illumination was from a single rush-light set in a metal brazier high up on the wall halfway along.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Thus, the scheme of thoughtfully layered illumination, including the pair of Grand Central Terminal–worthy pendants in the kitchen (each weighing in the realm of 60 pounds), plaster sconces, custom lampshades, and Deschanel’s beloved Murano chandeliers.
—Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
While the moment of full illumination is the same worldwide, moonrise and set times vary depending on your location.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illumination. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illumination
noun
il·lu·mi·na·tion
il-ˌü-mə-ˈnā-shən
1
a
: the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated
b
: amount of light
2
: gold or colored decoration in a manuscript
Medical Definition
illumination
noun
il·lu·mi·na·tion
il-ˌü-mə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the action of supplying or brightening with light or the resulting state
2
: the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting surface at any given point
called also illuminance
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