imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē 

-mi-jə-

plural imageries

1

a

: pictures produced by an imaging system

imagery from the satellite

b

: the product of image makers : images

A host of computer animation tools … have made it easier to create, manipulate, and multiply imagery.

—Dike Blair et al.

also : the art of making images

2

: figurative language

a poem with biblical imagery

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

My research focuses on using drone-based, multisensor imagery and artificial intelligence to improve the speed, accuracy and reliability of land mine and unexploded ordnance detection. —Sagar Lekhak, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026

These are complemented by wall and ceiling paintings that evoke the past with colors and imagery. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026

While Castillo’s work expands from within the constraints of domestic space, another artist in the exhibition relies on fragments of public imagery. —Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

The exhibit shows how women have been represented in ceramics, sculpture and symbolic imagery across ancient Mesoamerican cultures and connects the traditions to the lives of powerful women throughout Latin American history. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

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