avatar

Everyday

1. A picture or character that stands for you in a game, app or online chat. tree →
2. (Hinduism) In Hindu belief, a god appearing on Earth in a human or animal form, like Krishna as an avatar of Vishnu. tree →
3. (formal) A person who perfectly shows an idea: «an avatar of kindness». tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons and online safety, your avatar can be a cartoon instead of a real photo, which is safer. In games you design and dress your avatar. In religious education it is a Hindu word from Sanskrit. Also the name of films and a cartoon.

Examples

• I made a dragon avatar for my game. tree →
• Use a cartoon avatar instead of your real photo online. tree →
• My avatar has blue hair and a cape. tree →
• In Hindu stories, Rama is an avatar of the god Vishnu. tree →
• She changed her avatar to a picture of her cat. tree →
• The avatar walked across the virtual world. tree →

Note

Say «AV-uh-tar». Countable. The Hindu meaning is the original one; the computing meaning is newer. Online safety: an avatar should not show your face, school or address.