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

There may even be photographic evidence of me collecting my winnings. —Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026

Parr had to fight to get into Magnum, the prestigious photographic coöperative. —Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026

Local fishers produced a live specimen and photographic evidence of species undocumented by science for a decade or more — a vivid illustration of the gap between scientific documentation and on-the-ground reality. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

With him was his lover, Charis Wilson, who modeled for him, drafted his successful Guggenheim application and wrote the texts for his photographic books. —Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing photographic

• photographic memory

Rhymes for photographic

• autographic
• biographic
• calligraphic
• cartographic
• cryptographic
• demographic
• epigraphic
• ethnographic
• geographic
• holographic
• hydrographic
• lithographic

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