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
2
a
: creative ability
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 fired the imagination
3
a
: a creation of the mind
especially
: an idealized or poetic creation
b
: fanciful or empty assumption
Examples of imagination in a Sentence
You can find a solution if you use a little imagination.
The author does not tell us what happens to the characters. We have to use our imagination.
He's a competent writer, but he lacks imagination.
Is it just my imagination, or is it getting warm in here?
Recent Examples on the Web
Toys, even ones marketed as tools for the imagination, are never value neutral.
—
JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Much as is the case with Bentley Mulliner, the only limits in terms of custom content are your imagination and your bank balance.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
The colorful illustrations in this book are like a glimpse into a child’s imagination, with fun surprises to be found on every page.
—Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
The cruellest occupation is not of land but of the imagination.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imagination
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JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Much as is the case with Bentley Mulliner, the only limits in terms of custom content are your imagination and your bank balance.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
The colorful illustrations in this book are like a glimpse into a child’s imagination, with fun surprises to be found on every page.
—Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
The cruellest occupation is not of land but of the imagination.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imagination
Cite this Entry
“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagination. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imagination
noun
imag·i·na·tion
im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act or power of forming a mental picture of something not present and especially of something one has not known or experienced
2
: creative ability
3
: a creation of the mind
Medical Definition
imagination
noun
imag·i·na·tion
im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən
: an act or process of forming a conscious idea or mental image of something never before wholly perceived in reality by the one forming the images (as through a synthesis of remembered elements of previous sensory experiences or ideas as modified by unconscious defense mechanisms)
also
: the ability or gift of forming such conscious ideas or mental images especially for the purposes of artistic or intellectual creation
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