The Definition Essay
A definition essay is one that explains a term, either by defining what it means or by clarifying which meaning
is intended when a word has several meanings. For instance, a writer might need to define slicing to someone
unfamiliar with golf or the term koi to someone unfamiliar with tropical fish. If the writer calls a friend a
nonconformist, he or she might ask the writer for the definition of that word. A writer may disagree with his or
her peers over the meaning of the word feminism even though they share similar politics. Clearly, definitions
are an important party of daily communication. Definition Essays are meant to help the reader to see beyond the
basic, dictionary definition of a word, that he or she might fully grasp the term or concept discussed.
A DEFINITION ESSAY SHOULD INCLUDE…
A brief explanation of the term: It is useful to include a brief explanation, so readers can begin to grasp the
concept. This includes the term itself, the class to which the term belongs,
and the distinguishing characteristics that differentiate this item from all
others in its class.
Ex: Trypophobia is a medically recognized fear that is an aversion to the
sight of irregular patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps.
A specific and focused definition: This type of essay focuses on a specific term and discusses it in detail. In
order to help readers better understand a term, the author may describe a
philosophy behind a movement, the uses of a specific item, or the different
types of a specific emotion.
Ex: Trypophobia is based on a deep-seated disgust that most humans have
toward certain plants and medical conditions that cause patterns of holes,
but these emotions have been allowed to be taken to an extreme.
A main point: The thesis of an extended-definition essay tells why the term is worth
reading about. Some writers choose to separate the brief definition from
their thesis, so it is important to look for both parts while reading and to be
sure to include them in the paper.
One of many patterns of development: Narration, description, illustration, process analysis, comparison
and contrast, classification and division, cause and effect, and
argumentative styles are all used to develop definition essays. To explain a
term, more than one pattern of development can be used. For example, if
defining a home run, an author may include his or her favorite baseball
player’s best jogs around the bases in narrative style. But if defining a
style of art, a descriptive style may be more appropriate.
Negation and address misconceptions: When the term being defined is so similar to another term that it
can be confused with it, a writer may use negation to explain how that
term is different from the others. This involves telling what the term is
NOT in addition to what it is.
Ex: Trypophobia is not recognized as a mental disorder by the American
Psychiatric Association. It is not believed to be a learned cultural fear.
WHERE TO START
Step 1: Select the topic.
Make sure you feel familiar with the topic or that it can be easily learned. Narrow this topic to a
specific term. For example, instead of writing about the term celebrity, focus on a political or
Hollywood celebrity type.
Step 2: Collect details to describe the subject.
Brainstorm a list of words that describe the term, such as people or actions that may be examples
of it. Try describing the object to a friend and write down the words used. Write down
everything a person would need to know to understand it. Try observing a person associated with
the term. Look up the definition and etymology in the dictionary. Think of situations that reveal
the meaning or similar terms. Do a search of the term on the internet.
Step 3: Organize the details.
Look over the brainstormed list, and organize the ideas based on the pattern of development
chosen. If using narration (refer to narration essay handout for more details), then organize the
ideas in chronological order. If using characteristics, a most-to-least or least-to-most order (see
the descriptive essay handout for clarification and other examples) may be best.
Step 4: Draft the essay.
Describe the term as specifically as possible. If describing Dalmatians, do not simply say they
are a breed of dog. Describe the colors, behaviors, history, and benefits of this breed. DO NOT
include the term as part of the definition. Look up synonyms to use if a similar word is needed.
Include enough distinguishing characteristics so that readers will not mistake the term for
something else in its class. Do not limit the definition so much that it becomes inaccurate. Use
multiple transitions, and consider including the etymology of the term.
Step 5: Revise, rewrite, and edit
WRITING PROCESS
Introduction: This paragraph presents the term, provides background information, and includes the
thesis statement. This paragraph may also suggest the importance or value of understanding the
term. It might be helpful to use negation, what it is and is not. The introduction should include a
brief standard definition of the term as well as a perspective or point of view about the term.
Here is a good thesis statement:
The future of wireless cable, a method of transmitting television signals through the air using microwaves, is uncertain. 1
Term Definition position
Body paragraphs: These 2-3 paragraphs will explain the term’s class and present characteristics that
distinguish the term from others in the class. These paragraphs can also introduce facts,
examples, descriptions, and so forth to make the term understandable. It should be organized
using one or more development patterns (narration, cause and effect, illustration, etc.). Each
paragraph should include sufficient information for readers to understand each characteristic.
Conclusion: This paragraph references the thesis and draws the essay to a close. It will also leave the
reader with a final impression of the term.
Information taken from Reflections: Patterns for Reading and Writing, pgs. 489-495, 532-538, by Kathleen T. McWhorter, 2013
edition.
Original material copyright © Dallas Baptist University. All rights reserved. Other copyrighted material included by permission or
authorization. Created by UWC Staff for Dallas Baptist University. http://www.dbu.edu/uwc. November 2018.
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McWhorter, 494
