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

Strauss’s work is a significant departure from imagery traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary, who is more commonly seen being visited by the angel Gabriel, holding the baby Jesus or immersed in prayer. —Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 3 July 2024

Hall and Papamichael added to the texture by shooting on detuned Panavision T-series anamorphic lenses that created a warm, vintage feel — and the imagery wasn’t the only thing that benefited from the methodology. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 June 2024

An earthquake hit the Bay Area, and for more than a week, the whole state was immersed in the imagery of seismic catastrophe. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 June 2024

The imagery feels soft and light like how the summer can feel when surrounded by all the possibilities of the season. —Essence, 27 June 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