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

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Astronomers in favor of Pluto's demotion argued that a planet by definition should have cleared its orbit around the sun. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Disaster response, where the environment is dangerous by definition. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 This matters because the moment patients turn to one of these tools is, almost by definition, a moment of uncertainty and anxiety for them. — Arya Rao, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 Game fowl are bred for aggression by definition, said Jenny Berg, California state director of the Humane World for Animals, which worked with Rogers on the bill. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by definition

Rhymes for by definition

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Browse Nearby Words

by decree
by definition
by degrees
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Cite this Entry

“By definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20definition. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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