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.
These smart maps, rich with imagery and other data—like roads, buildings, and land features—become collaboration tools for local governments, farmers, developers, and first responders. Ryan Lanclos, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Intuitive Machines, the Houston, Texas aerospace company operating the spacecraft, shared the striking imagery after Athena entered lunar orbit on Monday. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 Another way is broadening Chaumet’s naturalist imagery with fresh directions, such as the Bamboo high jewelry capsule shown during January’s couture shows. Lily Templeton, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 That one, out tomorrow, is dedicated to Arthur Elgort, the photographer whose work reshaped the very notion of fashion imagery. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Mar. 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 13 Mar. 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

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