defines

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

California state law defines a “law enforcement gang” as a group of officers “who engage in a pattern of on-duty behavior that intentionally violates the law or fundamental principles of professional policing.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Transportation construction spending, as the government defines it, refers to structures used for transportation, such as airport hangars, bus terminals, railroad tracks and marinas.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

France is Thursday expected to move towards repealing outdated legislation that defines people enslaved in its colonies as "moveable goods", in a symbolic move as the country grapples with its colonial legacy.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

In the IPO paperwork, the company formally defines “The Algorithm” as a five-step process with the guiding principles of SpaceX: make less dumb, delete, optimize, accelerate, automate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“Anyway, Chris,” Seven says, “DeVante’s got a point. What makes his name or our names any less normal than yours? Who or what defines ‘normal’ to you?

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas