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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
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: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
: a treatment to improve the condition or appearance of the facial skin
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Naydeline Mejia, Women's Health, 3 Mar. 2023
Over the course of time, fine lines will inevitably emerge around the eyes from natural facial expressions (and hopefully a lot of smiling).
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 2 Mar. 2023
Additionally, the single-standard definition camera that recorded facial expressions was replaced by two high-definition versions that provided more data and detail.
—Daron James, Variety, 28 Feb. 2023
And Landon gets a lot of help from Harbour, whose facial expressions alone capture this ghost’s wit, hopes, fears and heartbreak.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2023
The high-fashion transformation saw Stone with Coolidge's signature blonde waves and the actress' facial expressions, thanks to makeup and prosthetics.
—Zizi Strater, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2023
Despite folks feeling divided about the habits, some couldn’t help but focus on Al’s hilarious facial expressions during the on-air conversation.
—Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, 21 Feb. 2023
Show optimism and willingness for partnership and expansion with your body language and facial expressions. 3.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
On February 15, Disney’s official D23 fan account released video footage of a lifelike Walt hologram that speaks in his real voice, gesturing with his hands and making realistic facial expressions.
—Vulture, 15 Feb. 2023
Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 19 Jan. 2023
Enough with all the hard work of having to find the PERFECT diet and trying to get an expensive facial every other day.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Dec. 2022
Enough with all the hard work of having to find the PERFECT diet and trying to get an expensive facial every other day.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Dec. 2022
Gift card for services at Effacé Aesthetics Have a friend or family member who has expressed interest in botox, fillers or just the occasional facial?
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2022
Booking a facial at Skin by Ruby is about as competitive — and worth it — as scoring a brunch reso at Bacanora.
—Jill Cassidy, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2022
This hydrating facial goes beyond your medicine cabinet's moisture mask.
—Taylore Glynn, Allure, 26 Oct. 2022
The Skin As well as using skincare from J Lo Beauty, which comprises everything from a sheet mask to a gel cream cleanser, Lopez also enjoys a facial with Toska Husted.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2022
After a relaxing facial or couples massage, guests are welcome to take a seat just a couple steps away by the hotel pool.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022
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Adjective
But while Shakira is holding onto Piqué’s hand here, her facial expression does not match the love and care associated with that gesture.
—Naydeline Mejia, Women's Health, 3 Mar. 2023
Over the course of time, fine lines will inevitably emerge around the eyes from natural facial expressions (and hopefully a lot of smiling).
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 2 Mar. 2023
Additionally, the single-standard definition camera that recorded facial expressions was replaced by two high-definition versions that provided more data and detail.
—Daron James, Variety, 28 Feb. 2023
And Landon gets a lot of help from Harbour, whose facial expressions alone capture this ghost’s wit, hopes, fears and heartbreak.
—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2023
The high-fashion transformation saw Stone with Coolidge's signature blonde waves and the actress' facial expressions, thanks to makeup and prosthetics.
—Zizi Strater, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2023
Despite folks feeling divided about the habits, some couldn’t help but focus on Al’s hilarious facial expressions during the on-air conversation.
—Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, 21 Feb. 2023
Show optimism and willingness for partnership and expansion with your body language and facial expressions. 3.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
On February 15, Disney’s official D23 fan account released video footage of a lifelike Walt hologram that speaks in his real voice, gesturing with his hands and making realistic facial expressions.
—Vulture, 15 Feb. 2023
Noun
On Thursday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 54, gave her 4 million Instagram followers a glimpse of her face care routine by sharing a video of herself lying down on a massage table while awaiting a facial.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 19 Jan. 2023
Enough with all the hard work of having to find the PERFECT diet and trying to get an expensive facial every other day.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Dec. 2022
Enough with all the hard work of having to find the PERFECT diet and trying to get an expensive facial every other day.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Dec. 2022
Gift card for services at Effacé Aesthetics Have a friend or family member who has expressed interest in botox, fillers or just the occasional facial?
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2022
Booking a facial at Skin by Ruby is about as competitive — and worth it — as scoring a brunch reso at Bacanora.
—Jill Cassidy, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2022
This hydrating facial goes beyond your medicine cabinet's moisture mask.
—Taylore Glynn, Allure, 26 Oct. 2022
The Skin As well as using skincare from J Lo Beauty, which comprises everything from a sheet mask to a gel cream cleanser, Lopez also enjoys a facial with Toska Husted.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2022
After a relaxing facial or couples massage, guests are welcome to take a seat just a couple steps away by the hotel pool.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'facial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
borrowed from Medieval Latin faciālis "face-to-face, direct," from Latin faciēs "appearance, face entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1
Noun
derivative of facial entry 1
Phrases Containing facial
Dictionary Entries Near facial
Cite this Entry
“Facial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
facial
2 of 2 noun1
: a treatment to improve the appearance of the face
2
: a facial part (as a nerve or artery)
Legal Definition
facial
adjective
fa·cial
: involving or apparent from the face of something (as a statute)
facial discrimination
a facial challenge to the law
facially
adverb
More from Merriam-Webster on facial
Nglish: Translation of facial for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of facial for Arabic Speakers
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