1
: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face

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
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
The Alpha School software even tracked students’ facial expressions and continuously monitored their emotional states, which unsurprisingly had students distressed. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026 For a relaxing massage or facial, head to the spa, and for dinner, look no further than the Lazeaway Club. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
The streamlined menu includes massages and facials, with enhancements such as CBD infusions and hot stone therapies. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026 The three offerings are in addition to a healthy range of typical spa choices like massages, scrubs, facials, red light therapy, dry brushing and more. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for facial

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Facial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to the face

facial

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

Medical Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
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

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
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