ambiguous figure

noun

: a picture of a subject which the viewer may see as either of two different subjects or as the same subject from either of two different viewpoints depending on how the total configuration is interpreted

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambiguous figure was in 1899

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ambiguous figure

Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambiguous%20figure. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!