imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē How to pronounce imagery (audio)
-mi-jə-
plural imageries
1
a
: pictures produced by an imaging system
b
: the product of image makers : images
also : the art of making images
2
: figurative language
3
: mental images
especially : the products of imagination

Examples of imagery in a Sentence

The book contains a great deal of sexual imagery. The movie was full of biblical imagery.
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.
Since the start of the war on February 24, 2022, the Oryx website has tracked Russian equipment losses using still or video imagery. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 And Trump used violent imagery aimed at former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) that drew major backlash. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 This year’s project focused on films that explored the identity and perspective of Africans all around the world, and the experience of stumbling upon arresting imagery with no knowledge of the screening scheduling was pleasantly surreal. Tobe Otuogbodor, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024 In her debut monograph, ten Have shares some of her wisdom by articulating four principles for styling, demonstrated by imagery from four seasons. Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imagery 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymagerie "images portrayed in sculpture, painting, etc.," borrowed from Anglo-French, from ymage, image image entry 1 + -erie -ery

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of imagery was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near imagery

Cite this Entry

“Imagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagery. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

imagery

noun
im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē How to pronounce imagery (audio)
plural imageries
1
: images that can be seen or that are imagined
2
: language that suggests how someone or something looks, sounds, feels, smells, or tastes

Medical Definition

imagery

noun
im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē How to pronounce imagery (audio)
plural imageries
: mental images
eidetic imagery
especially : the products of imagination
psychotic imagery

More from Merriam-Webster on imagery

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