facial

1 of 2

adjective

fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl 

1

: of or relating to the face

facial expressions

2

: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face

facially

ˈfā-shə-lē 

adverb

facial

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of facial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Perhaps Little Foot’s lineage was more closely related to East African hominins, while South African hominins evolved distinct facial features later on, the authors wrote in the study. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026

The Mid-Credits Scene The mid-credits scene centers on Peter Sarsgaard’s character, Detective Wiles, who watches as a group of women place a tattoo on mob boss Lupino’s face that mirrors the facial marking seen on The Bride. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026

Noun

The spa offers everything from steam rooms to custom Augustinus Bader facials. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026

Guest rooms are decked out in muted coastal blues and offer ocean views, the SEA Wellness Spa specializes in hydrating and anti-aging facials, massages, and nailcare, and a restaurant, lounge, and bar serve a variety of salads, seafood, and cocktails. —Tim Chester, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing facial

• facial blindness
• facial index
• facial nerve

Rhymes for facial

• glacial
• racial
• spacial
• spatial
• bifacial
• biracial
• palatial
• postglacial
• preglacial
• subglacial
• craniofacial
• interfacial

Kids Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective

fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl 

: of or relating to the face

facially

-shə-lē 

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 

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

-shə-lē 

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