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

Centuries later, the same principle contributed to the development of photographic cameras, cinema equipment, and optical instruments. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Present in photographic form, his 1918 Endless Column (part of the same Târgu Jiu complex) forms just one of several arresting architectural designs. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Simpson was identified by the occupants aboard Del Sol's boat through a photographic lineup, according to the affidavit. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Poland’s Infrastructure Ministry is now drafting a reform requiring photographic proof during inspections that a car is actually sitting in a Polish garage. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Aug. 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