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

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

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