photographic

adjective

pho·​to·​graph·​ic ˌfō-tə-ˈgra-fik 

1

: relating to, obtained by, or used in photography

2

: representing nature and human beings with the exactness of a photograph

3

: capable of retaining vivid impressions

a photographic memory

photographically

ˌfō-tə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of photographic in a Sentence

photographic images of the galaxy

Recent Examples on the Web

Back in the old days, astronomers would conduct galaxy surveys by taking deep space images on photographic plates and then measuring directly on the plates, in two-dimensions, the spatial distribution of the galaxies. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2025

In his highly photographic 4:3 frame (with picturesque, rounded edges), Kanawade tenderly unfurls each scene with intentionally languid rhythms, and extended beats between dialogue. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025

The National Portrait Gallery in London is facing scrutiny for putting on an exhibition centered on the photographic work of a donor whose family contributed £40 million (approx. —Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Prosecutors had video and photographic evidence of their crimes. —German Lopez, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing photographic

• photographic memory

Kids Definition

photographic

adjective

pho·​to·​graph·​ic ˌfōt-ə-ˈgraf-ik 

1

: relating to, obtained by, or used in photography

photographic supplies

2

: capable of remembering details exactly

a photographic memory

photographically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb