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

Their live performance of that track reiterated the cohesiveness of the band’s creativity, formulating songs not just with vocals and instrumentation but careful consideration of the imagery and choreography that’s instantly synonymous with them. —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024

The platform’s rules state that the site doesn’t allow media depicting hateful imagery such as the Nazi swastika in live videos, account bios, profiles or header images. —Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024

The new debris photos are part of the latest imagery from the aftermath of the disaster last year. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024

Need some pre-fall inspiration, this set of imagery has got that handled. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 Sep. 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