One way of thinking about an allusion—an indirect reference, especially (though not exclusively) as used in literature—is that it “plays toward or around” something rather than naming it directly.

Allusion is an economical device, a figure of speech that uses a relatively short space to draw upon the ready stock of ideas, cultural memes or emotion already associated with a topic.

An allusion is a reference, typically brief, to a person, place, thing, event, or other literary work with which the reader is presumably familiar. As a literary device, allusion allows a writer to …

May 13, 2025 · What is an allusion, and why do writers use it? An allusion is a literary device used to refer to something well-known, like a famous person, story, place, or event, without saying it …

Dec 9, 2024 · An allusion is commonly used in literature, cinema, music, and art. It is a reference to a person, place, or event that the speaker or writer assumes will be understood by their …

ALLUSION definition: 1. something that is said or written that is intended to make you think of a particular thing or…. Learn more.

Allusion (pronounced ah-LOO-zhun) is basically a reference to something else. It’s when a writer mentions some other work, or refers to an earlier part of the current work.

Allusion, in literature, is an implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing or to a part of another text.

An allusion is not a deep meditation, but a passing signal that can sometimes escape notice if you’re not reading carefully. However, allusions are an essential tool for literary artists that …

A concise definition of Allusion along with usage tips, an expanded explanation, and lots of examples.