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

This requires modifications to language, tone, symbols and imagery to align with expectations. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

That challenge elevated the imagery and the concept to be even more humanistic. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024

These artists often used new techniques and materials in their creative process and incorporated abstract imagery. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

The specificity of his imagery, from local radio shoutouts to South Central landmarks, grounds the track in LA’s cultural fabric, rendering it both personal and universal. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 19 Dec. 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