Definition Worksheet: Write the Definition, Use It in a Sentence, and Draw a Picture

If you have a child who groans when it’s time to write, this definition worksheet is a simple way to practice vocabulary without busywork. Your student writes the word and part of speech, explains the meaning in their own words, uses it in a sentence, and finishes with a quick drawing—so you can see real understanding (and they don’t feel buried in writing). Print and use it with history, science, literature, or any weekly vocabulary list.

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My oldest child is a boy who has never liked the physical act of writing.  Even now that his handwriting has turned around – thanks to Handwriting Without Tears! – he still doesn’t like to write.

Since we homeschool, I can tweak his schooling so there aren’t a multitude of assignments that require lots of writing.  We read a gob of books and do hands-on activities, however, there are times that he needs to write.

Despite his disdain for writing, he is a very creative boy and loves to make up stories with accompanying illustrations.  He has notebooks full of stories that he’s written.

When I had my planning time for this school year, I brainstormed ways that he could learn the definitions for his history vocabulary words.  Yes, he reads those words in context in the story, but I also wanted him to have an activity with those words.

After a few rough drafts, I came up with this fun way for him to “write definitions” without it being boring busywork.  I know that when he can write a vocabulary word in a sentence and then illustrate it, he truly understands the meaning of the word.

And best of all: he will remember it.

Note: This post and printable was originally published in 2013, and the post itself has been updated a multitude of times over the years. Please download this unique worksheet and use it again!

✅ Browse through all of our curriculum choices through the years! Find detailed homeschool curriculum ideas for Preschool through 12th grade.

What This Definition Worksheet Helps Your Student Practice

This definition worksheet is a unique way to implement the age-old assignment to ‘write definitions.’ While writing definitions in the traditional way is valuable, my oldest boy needs assignments that are not necessarily traditional. That’s where activities like this worksheet comes into play.

At a Glance

Best for: Upper elementary & middle school (works for any age that’s doing vocabulary work)

Subjects: Vocabulary, Writing, History, Science, Literature

Skills practiced: Defining words, using context, sentence writing, comprehension, visual recall

What’s included: 1 printable definition worksheet page

Prep: Print (and optionally copy a stack for your binder)

Parent win: One page that replaces “copy the dictionary” and shows true understanding in a quick way

How to Use the Definition Worksheet in Your Homeschool

My son considers this definition worksheet to be fun and not school work. Yay for mom!

 Since he already loves to write stories and illustrate them, this worksheet is the perfect way for his creative brain to truly learn what a word means in context.

Each week, my son works through a short list of vocabulary words—usually from history or science. For each word, he:

• writes the word and part of speech
• explains the meaning in his own words
• uses it in a sentence
• draws a quick picture to show understanding

The pictures always make me smile, and they’re a great reminder that he really “gets” the word.

If you have a child who struggles with large amounts of writing or if you’re looking for a way to make learning definitions more fun, these definition worksheets might be the perfect fit!

Watch the Short Video: A Quick Walkthrough

This is a very old and occasionally blurry video, but you can see exactly how we used these sheets in our homeschool.

Download the Definition Worksheet

Ready to use this with your next vocabulary list? Click below for an instant download of the definition worksheet.

Click here to download the Definition Worksheet

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