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
Recent Examples on the Web
The ruling said Durnell’s claim would require a warning that the EPA did not require – but information counter to EPA’s conclusions is by definition inaccurate.
—
Sarah J. Morath,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
Proprietary data, by definition, is something competitors cannot access.
—
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Climbing is such a dense world, socially, with bonds of trust between climbing partners that are, by definition, super serious.
—
William Finnegan,
New Yorker,
1 July 2026
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Sarah J. Morath,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
Proprietary data, by definition, is something competitors cannot access.
—
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Climbing is such a dense world, socially, with bonds of trust between climbing partners that are, by definition, super serious.
—
William Finnegan,
New Yorker,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for by definition
Cite this Entry
“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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