noun
animation
an-ih-MAY-shuhn
noun
1
The technique of creating the illusion of movement from a sequence of still images, drawings, or models, or a work made this way.
"The studio spent three years on the animation for the movie."
"Stop-motion animation uses physical models photographed frame by frame."
2
Liveliness, energy, or enthusiasm in speech or manner.
"He described the plan with real animation in his voice."
"Her animation lit up the whole room."
How to Use Animation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBringing still images to life as moving pictures — or, more generally, liveliness.
Common pairings
2D animation
computer animation
full of animation
Word Forms
animations plural
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The studio spent three years on the _____ for the movie.
Etymology
From Latin animatio, "a bringing to life," from animare ("to animate"), rooted in anima ("breath, soul").