Definitions

1. noun

a reference to a person, place, event, or work of art, typically from a previous time, used to illustrate a particular idea or theme

“The poet made an allusion to the myth of Orpheus in her latest collection.”

2. noun

a subtle or indirect reference to something, especially a person or event, in language or literature

“The author’s allusion to the historical event added depth to the novel.”

3. verb

to mention or refer to something indirectly, especially in a literary or rhetorical way

“The speaker alluded to the economic crisis in her speech.”