incarnation

noun

in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
1
: the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate
2
: a particular physical form or state : version
in another incarnation he might be a first vice-presidentWalter Teller
TV and movie incarnations of the story
3
a
: a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept
especially : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree
she is the incarnation of goodness
b(1)
capitalized : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ
(2)
: the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form
incarnational adjective

Examples of incarnation in a Sentence

the doctrine of the Incarnation she is the very incarnation of grace and tactfulness
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.
Disaster struck in 1895 when fire consumed much of the estate, yet from these ashes rose perhaps its most defining incarnation. Paul Jebara, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The game’s developers note that each character will have their own unique playstyle that offers variety to gamers who are previously familiar with the series from its earlier incarnations. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 Speculation over the next incarnation of the Doctor can be as fevered as the hunt for the next James Bond — a special live TV show was broadcast in 2013 simply to announce Peter Capaldi's casting. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Apr. 2025 For its third incarnation, the Mini Countryman now comes in an all-electric variant. ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incarnation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b(2)

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incarnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incarnation. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

incarnation

noun
in·​car·​na·​tion ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce incarnation (audio)
1
: the appearance of a god or spirit in an earthly form
2
capitalized : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ
3
: an actual instance of a quality or concept
she was the incarnation of goodness

More from Merriam-Webster on incarnation

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