imagination

noun

imag·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
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
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.
Altering your environment will spark your imagination and influence your perception. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 Often their experiences have been dismissed as exaggeration or imagination. Lisa Falco, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Such a concept offers only a refracted mirror, one which will put you at war with yourself and eat up your imagination. Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 There were a couple of scenes in the show about MJ and Quincy working together and just understanding elemental pieces of the music, listening to African drums and just that sense of creativity and imagination. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imagination 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymaginacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French ymaginacion, borrowed from Latin imāginātiōn-, imāginātiō, from imāginārī "to imagine" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of imagination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near imagination

Cite this Entry

“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagination. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

imagination

noun
imag·​i·​na·​tion im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
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 How to pronounce imagination (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on imagination

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