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.
But the imagery becomes deeply poignant when Benito leans in for what appears to be a kiss, only for the frame to reveal no one standing beside him. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025 The investigation, initiated by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, stems from a complaint filed by the Native American Guardian's Association, a nonprofit advocating for the preservation of Native American imagery in sports and public life. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 This year, students were asked to create imagery with the theme of Earth Day. Mike Snider, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 Native plants have a distinctly wild look, so pairing them with natural stone creates more realistic imagery and a low-maintenance design. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagery. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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