facial

1 of 2

adjective

fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2

noun

: a treatment to improve the condition or appearance of the facial skin

Examples of facial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The student suffered from a brain injury, facial fractures, and the loss of vision in his left eye, the lawsuit alleges. Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 For event attendees, usual security checks at certain entry points were augmented by facial recognition scanners that determined if people were cleared for entry. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Recently, police camera surveillance systems with facial recognition technology have proliferated amongst greater Dearborn’s schools and storefronts — despite Department of Justice studies questioning their effectiveness. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Galante hit her face on the cement, breaking her nose and other facial bones. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 7 Mar. 2024 In March of 1961, Dr. Anthony Epstein, a pathologist at Middlesex Hospital in London, almost skipped a visiting physician’s afternoon lecture about children with exceptionally large facial tumors in Uganda. Delthia Ricks, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 After a swipe of Pillow Talk lipstick and another quick facial mist, The Gentlemen actress picks up her signature scent. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 With that in mind, Cohen expects Milwaukee police and federal agencies to prioritize communications equipment to guarantee different agencies are connected, in addition to surveillance technology, such as facial recognition software and license-plate readers. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 Facility problems have also delayed critical work on biometrics, including evaluations of facial recognition systems used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024
Noun
The cozy full-service spa dates back to 1976 and offers everything from massages and facials to pedicures and select medi-spa treatments in the comfort of a charming heritage home. Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Guests can always pair their eclipse wellness with more time at the hotel’s winter spa pop-up, which is at its Clubhouse Lounge, including an array of massages and facials. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2024 The Gleneagles x Grown Alchemist spa treatments comprise a trio of facials, plus one face and body ritual aimed at releasing tension and improving circulation. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2023 What do people who swear by monthly facials and people who rarely wash their face have in common? Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 There were custom smoothies, facials and manicures, plus Cetaphil experts were on hand to answer questions about skincare. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Spa services include massage, facials, hair and nails are available, in addition to a pro shop and cafe. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Feb. 2024 The aesthetician department features microdermabrasion, skin peels and facials to keep the skin healthy and balanced. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The cozy spa, which smells entirely of lavender, offers facials, pedicures, and massages either in the open-air beach cabana or inside. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'facial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin faciālis "face-to-face, direct," from Latin faciēs "appearance, face entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

derivative of facial entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of facial was in 1746

Dictionary Entries Near facial

Cite this Entry

“Facial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
: of or relating to the face
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
: a treatment to improve the condition of the skin of the face

Medical Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the face
facial neuralgia
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
3
: relating to or being the buccal and labial surface of a tooth
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
1
: a treatment to improve the appearance of the face
2
: a facial part (as a nerve or artery)

Legal Definition

facial

adjective
fa·​cial
: involving or apparent from the face of something (as a statute)
facial discrimination
a facial challenge to the law
facially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on facial

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