---
title: "Defining Words"
description: "Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., 'a duck is a bird that swims'), making real-life connections between words and their use"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/defining-words-mt_f_dMmvzxwo
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/defining-words-mt_f_dMmvzxwo.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Defining Words

Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., 'a duck is a bird that swims'), making real-life connections between words and their use

Subject: English · Area: Vocabulary · Ages 6 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/defining-words-mt_f_dMmvzxwo

## Ready when they can

- Define 'tiger' as 'a large cat with stripes' — naming category and key attribute
- Connect the word 'cozy' to real-life examples: places at home that feel cozy
- Sort words into categories and explain why each word belongs

## Lesson: What Makes a Good Definition?

A definition tells what a word means. To build one, do two things: name the group the thing belongs to, then add one special detail that makes it different from everything else in that group.

*(drawing: A duck is a bird (the group) that swims (the special detail).)*

**Example.** Mia sees a tiger at the zoo. She tells her friend: 'A tiger is a cat with stripes.' First she named the group: cat. Then she added the special detail: stripes. Now her friend knows exactly what she means.

Some words connect to feelings and places, not just animals. Cozy means warm and comfortable. A blanket on the couch on a rainy day is cozy. So is a soft fort made of pillows.

**Tip.** When you sort words into a group, ask yourself why. If you can say why a word belongs, you really understand it.

**Recap.** A strong definition names the group a word belongs to, then adds the detail that makes it special.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Discussing and Questioning New Words](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/discussing-and-questioning-new-words-mt_6-MYToNZ39)
- [Sorting & Categorising Words](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/sorting-and-categorising-words-mt_oL9s_bufDp)

## Opens up

- [Expanded noun phrases](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/expanded-noun-phrases-mt_cU3LcEVkBQ)
- [Domain Vocabulary Across Subject Areas](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/domain-vocabulary-across-subject-areas-mt_WzOyJFKDIu)