A description is an account of what something or someone is like, using words to paint a picture in someone else's mind. When you write a description of your best friend, you might mention their curly red hair, their infectious laugh, and the way they always wear mismatched socks. When a witness gives police a description of a suspect, they're explaining details like height, clothing, and distinctive features.

Good descriptions help readers see, hear, smell, or feel what you're describing. Compare “The dog was big” to “The golden retriever bounded across the yard, its thick tail wagging so hard its whole body wiggled.” The second example is a much richer description because it gives specific details that bring the scene to life.

Scientists write descriptions of newly discovered species. Real estate agents write descriptions of houses for sale. Your favorite authors fill their books with vivid descriptions of characters and settings. The more precise and detailed your description, the clearer the picture becomes in your reader's mind. When you describe something (the verb form), you're creating that mental picture through careful word choice.