Translate text 
Translate files Allusion
/əˈluːʒən/
Meaning & Definition
noun
An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work.
The author makes an allusion to Shakespeare in her novel, suggesting a parallel between the characters.
The act of making an indirect reference.
His speech included numerous allusions to historical figures.
A casual or indirect reference; usually used in literature or conversation.
The poem contains an allusion to the imagery of the night sky.
Etymology
From Latin 'allusio', meaning 'a playing with or towards.'
Common Phrases and Expressions
poetic allusion:
An allusion used in poetry to evoke deeper meanings.
historical allusion:
A reference to a historical event or figure.
allusion to a myth:
An indirect reference to a mythological story or figure.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
A subtle nod to something culturally significant.
That line was a real allusion to 'Game of Thrones'.
A casual reference that not everyone might get.
His joke was an allusion that only we understood.