visual

1 of 2

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvi-zhə-wəl How to pronounce visual (audio)
-zhəl;
ˈvizh-wəl
1
: of, relating to, or used in vision
visual organs
2
: attained or maintained by sight
visual impressions
3
: visible
visual objects
4
: producing mental images : vivid
5
: done or executed by sight only
visual navigation
6
: of, relating to, or employing visual aids
visually
ˈvi-zhə-wə-lē How to pronounce visual (audio)
-zhə-lē;
ˈvizh-wə-lē
adverb

visual

2 of 2

noun

: something (such as a graphic) that appeals to the sight and is used for effect or illustration
usually used in plural

Examples of visual in a Sentence

Adjective color, shape, and other visual attributes She appreciates the visual arts such as painting and film. Maps are a visual tool for learning. Noun Should I include some visuals in my presentation? a film director known for his powerful visuals
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As your connection deepens, new visual stages and rare color tones are unlocked. Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 As part of this project, Engel arranged for the students to meet with designers from Macy’s furniture store and Ikea as well as the lead visual merchandiser for Nordstrom’s. Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
Make sure the top section communicates your value fast—a killer headline, a clear message, stunning visuals, a reason to stay. Talie Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 The immediate results appeared on a pair of side screens and, intermittently, in exaggerated or altered form along with various organic visuals on the curtains. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for visual

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin visualis, from Latin visus sight, from vidēre to see

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of visual was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visual. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

visual

1 of 2 adjective
vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce visual (audio)
ˈvizh-əl
1
: of, relating to, or used in vision
visual organs
2
: received by sight
visual impressions
3
: visible sense 1
visual objects
4
: of, relating to, or using visual aids
a visual presentation
visually adverb

visual

2 of 2 noun
: something (as a picture, chart, or film) that appeals to the sight and is used to illustrate, demonstrate, or advertise
usually used in plural

Medical Definition

visual

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or used in vision
visual organs
2
: attained or maintained by sight
visual impressions

More from Merriam-Webster on visual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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