facial

1 of 2

adjective

fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
facially
ˈfā-shə-lē How to pronounce facial (audio)
adverb

facial

2 of 2

noun

: a treatment to improve the condition or appearance of the facial skin

Examples of facial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This fatuous facial gesture is immediately relatable but also, as Locke discusses below, one that can be read in a number of different ways. —Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024 Computer monitoring programs are just one example of an overall increase in school surveillance nationwide, including cameras, facial recognition technology and more. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
Then head to the resort’s spa, where a menu of classic offerings (think: European facials and hot stone massages) with seasonal treatments like the Spider Cider Foot Indulgence are mixed in. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 There are many places to get facials in New York City. —Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for facial 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin faciālis "face-to-face, direct," from Latin faciēs "appearance, face entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

derivative of facial entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of facial was in 1746

Phrases Containing facial

Dictionary Entries Near facial

facia

facial

facial disk

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Facial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
: of or relating to the face
facially
-shə-lē How to pronounce facial (audio)
adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
: a treatment to improve the condition of the skin of the face

Medical Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the face
facial neuralgia
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
3
: relating to or being the buccal and labial surface of a tooth
facially
-shə-lē How to pronounce facial (audio)
adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
1
: a treatment to improve the appearance of the face
2
: a facial part (as a nerve or artery)

Legal Definition

facial

adjective
fa·​cial
: involving or apparent from the face of something (as a statute)
facial discrimination
a facial challenge to the law
facially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on facial

Nglish: Translation of facial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of facial for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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