imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē 

-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

The footage of the satellite was shot on a soundstage, using NASA imagery on a black screen. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025

This musical mirroring of imagery is probably most apparent when the world starts to melt and deteriorate for László. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025

The clock uses the imagery of a countdown to midnight to convey the urgency of threats such as nuclear war, climate change, biological risks, and disruptive technologies. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

The potent symbolism in their hometown, where their connection with their own dreamlike imagery is central to their everyday lives, soon fades away. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing imagery

• satellite imagery

Kids Definition

imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē 

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 

plural imageries

: mental images

eidetic imagery

especially : the products of imagination

psychotic imagery