visual

1 of 2

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvi-zhə-wəl How to pronounce visual (audio)
-zhəl;
ˈvizh-wəl
1
: of, relating to, or used in vision
visual organs
2
: attained or maintained by sight
visual impressions
3
: visible
visual objects
4
: producing mental images : vivid
5
: done or executed by sight only
visual navigation
6
: of, relating to, or employing visual aids
visually
ˈvi-zhə-wə-lē How to pronounce visual (audio)
-zhə-lē;
ˈvizh-wə-lē
adverb

visual

2 of 2

noun

: something (such as a graphic) that appeals to the sight and is used for effect or illustration
usually used in plural

Examples of visual in a Sentence

Adjective color, shape, and other visual attributes She appreciates the visual arts such as painting and film. Maps are a visual tool for learning. Noun Should I include some visuals in my presentation? a film director known for his powerful visuals
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle. Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 Ruben Fleischer, a regular director on Superstore, sets the St. Denis Medical visual template, which is mostly an extension of the mockumentary conventions from The Office and Parks and Recreation. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
Our sensitivity to the sounds, smells, visuals, motion, tactile input and tastes in our environment can have a huge impact on our cognitive abilities, patience and mood. Svetlana Dimovski, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Bands are judged on such things as general effect, music, visuals, percussion and auxiliary, according to the association. Dan Basso, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for visual 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin visualis, from Latin visus sight, from vidēre to see

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of visual was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near visual

Cite this Entry

“Visual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visual. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

visual

1 of 2 adjective
vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce visual (audio)
ˈvizh-əl
1
: of, relating to, or used in vision
visual organs
2
: received by sight
visual impressions
3
: visible sense 1
visual objects
4
: of, relating to, or using visual aids
a visual presentation
visually adverb

visual

2 of 2 noun
: something (as a picture, chart, or film) that appeals to the sight and is used to illustrate, demonstrate, or advertise
usually used in plural

Medical Definition

visual

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or used in vision
visual organs
2
: attained or maintained by sight
visual impressions

More from Merriam-Webster on visual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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