allusion

//əˈluːʒən//
C1Frequency Level 11Formal
Visual representation of allusion

Noun

allusionSingular
allusionsPlural
1

An indirect or passing reference to something, such as a person, event, or literary work, without explicitly mentioning it.

The poem contains an allusion to Greek mythology.

2

A figure of speech that makes a brief, indirect reference to a well-known historical, literary, or cultural subject.

The poet's allusion to Greek mythology added depth to the verse.