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

Using imagery, the lab was able to identify that about one-fourth of the locations have been expanded since Russia began its full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, presumably to meet the influx. —Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025

The video campaign — which is flanked by imagery captured by Lanthimos, also an accomplished photographer — marks the first time the Greek director, producer and screenwriter collaborates with Prada. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025

Bleeding leads Obviously, interest in violent imagery is not something that started with or is limited to social media or digital technologies. —Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

There are many moments in the trailer that showcase some horrific imagery, such as Nina screaming and crying, and what appears to be the character also holding a bloody shard of glass. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

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