explanation
noun
ex·pla·na·tion
ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: the act or process of explaining
declined without any explanation
The company offered little by way of explanation for the problems. [=as a way of explaining why there were problems]
2
: something that explains
The professor's explanation was that the poem was really a parody.
Examples of explanation in a Sentence
The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.
an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand
Recent Examples on the Web
Professional commentators tended to see these developments in so many local terms—turning, for their explanations, to national histories, cultures and institutions.
—
Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Arthur was taken back to the doctor two additional times in the ensuing weeks and was given various explanations about his condition, including asthma and even anxiety.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
It cannot be justified, and there can be no reason, no explanation for this genocide.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 17 May 2026
Walking upright may have freed the hands The researchers propose a two-stage explanation for human handedness.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Arthur was taken back to the doctor two additional times in the ensuing weeks and was given various explanations about his condition, including asthma and even anxiety.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
It cannot be justified, and there can be no reason, no explanation for this genocide.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 17 May 2026
Walking upright may have freed the hands The researchers propose a two-stage explanation for human handedness.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explanation
noun
ex·pla·na·tion
ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: a statement that makes something clear
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
