Illustration of illusion
- a and b are equal in length
illusion
noun
il·lu·sion
i-ˈlü-zhən 
plural illusions
1
a(1)
: a misleading image presented to the vision : optical illusion
(2)
: something that deceives or misleads intellectually
b(1)
: perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature
(2)
(3)
: a pattern capable of reversible perspective
2
a(1)
: the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled : misapprehension
(2)
: an instance of such deception
b
obsolete
: the action of deceiving
3
: a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses
Did you know?
Allusion and Illusion
Allusion and illusion may share some portion of their ancestry (both words come in part from the Latin word ludere, meaning “to play”), and sound quite similar, but they are distinct words with very different meanings. An allusion is an indirect reference, whereas an illusion is something that is unreal or incorrect. Each of the nouns has a related verb form: allude “to refer indirectly to,” and illude (not a very common word), which may mean “to delude or deceive” or “to subject to an illusion.”
Examples of illusion in a Sentence
The video game is designed to give the illusion that you are in control of an airplane.
They used paint to create the illusion of metal.
She says that all progress is just an illusion.
Recent Examples on the Web
While most magicians rely on illusion, gadgets, and cutting-edge technology, Blaine’s magic is grounded in raw human endurance, discipline, and the ability to push the limits of both body and mind.
—
Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The show consisted of several live-feed illusions, ecological sculptures, and installations using organic materials, lighting, and sound.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Increased and personalized long-term memory, in combination with the ability to act, is likely to create an illusion of vivid personalities in agents, even when that is not an explicit goal.
—Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
These individuals, who have spent their lives cultivating their skills, embody a kind of magic that has nothing to do with illusions or technology but everything to do with the human spirit.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
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.
Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The show consisted of several live-feed illusions, ecological sculptures, and installations using organic materials, lighting, and sound.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Increased and personalized long-term memory, in combination with the ability to act, is likely to create an illusion of vivid personalities in agents, even when that is not an explicit goal.
—Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
These individuals, who have spent their lives cultivating their skills, embody a kind of magic that has nothing to do with illusions or technology but everything to do with the human spirit.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Cite this Entry
“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illusion. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illusion
noun
il·lu·sion
il-ˈü-zhən
1
: a misleading image presented to the eye
2
: the state or fact of being led to accept as true something unreal or imagined
3
: a mistaken idea
Medical Definition
illusion
noun
il·lu·sion
il-ˈü-zhən
1
: a misleading image presented as a visual stimulus
2
a
: perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature
especially
: optical illusion compare delusion sense 2
c
: a pattern capable of reversible perspective
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share