facial

1 of 2

adjective

fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2

noun

: a treatment to improve the condition or appearance of the facial skin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
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

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of facial was in 1746

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

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
: of or relating to the face
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
: a treatment to improve the condition of the skin of the face

Medical Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the face
facial neuralgia
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
3
: relating to or being the buccal and labial surface of a tooth
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
1
: 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

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