representation
noun
rep·re·sen·ta·tion
ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 
-zən-
plural representations
1
: someone or something that represents: such as
a
: an artistic likeness or image
stylized representations of flowers
The women then embroider their portraits in any way they choose, taking agency over their ultimate representation …—
Charleston Regional Business Journal
Charleston Regional Business Journal
b(1)
: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action
Her representation of the situation was very confusing.
(2)
: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into
c
: a dramatic production or performance
a theatrical representation
d(1)
: a usually formal statement made against something or to effect a change
(2)
: a usually formal protest
2
: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented: such as
b(1)
: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented
(2)
: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (such as a child for a deceased parent)
c(1)
: the action of representing or the fact of being represented in a grouping, aggregation, or body (especially a legislative body)
The state is divided into legislative districts, with each district electing one senator. This system fosters representation from various regions of the state …—Manahil Ahmad
Manahil Ahmad
(2)
: the participation of people from groups who have historically been excluded or discriminated against (as due to race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
Although public libraries are no longer segregated by law, there is still a major gap in African Americans' representation in the library profession.—Terry B. Hill
Terry B. Hill
also
: the inclusion of characters, perspectives, etc. from such groups
So, one of my passions, especially in the entertainment industry, is to create more authentic disability representation, because we don't usually see it in mainstream media. —Maddy Ulman, quoted in The Dallas Morning News
Maddy Ulman, quoted in The Dallas Morning News
d
: the action of presenting or describing a person or thing especially in a particular way
We discussed the representation of women in Jane Austen's novels.
3
: the body of persons representing a constituency
representationally
adverb
Examples of representation in a Sentence
Each state has equal representation in the Senate.
The letters of the alphabet are representations of sounds.
Recent Examples on the Web
Buyer personas: Buyer personas involve detailed fictional representations of ideal customer profiles to fine-tune messaging for your high-value clients’ specific needs, behaviors and motivations.
—Jonathan Schwartz, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Because of her light-colored dress, Danni goes commando, which is an apt representation of their differing personalities.
—Emma Soren, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
The da Vinci notebooks, with their notorious and remarkable mirror text, are the spine of the documentary, with their explorations of nature and the human body, their mathematical theories of both artistic representation and the world around us.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
People in removal proceedings, and who don't have representation, can file for a change of address at respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/forms/.
Children of noncitizen parents should apply for or renew their U.S. passport.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for representation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jonathan Schwartz, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Because of her light-colored dress, Danni goes commando, which is an apt representation of their differing personalities.
—Emma Soren, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
The da Vinci notebooks, with their notorious and remarkable mirror text, are the spine of the documentary, with their explorations of nature and the human body, their mathematical theories of both artistic representation and the world around us.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
People in removal proceedings, and who don't have representation, can file for a change of address at respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/forms/.
Children of noncitizen parents should apply for or renew their U.S. passport.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for representation
Dictionary Entries Near representation
Cite this Entry
“Representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/representation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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representation
noun
rep·re·sen·ta·tion
ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən
1
: one (as a picture or symbol) that represents something else
2
: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented (as in a legislative body)
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