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

Lynch suffered facial fractures, a cranial leak and other injuries. —Katie Houlis, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

These smaller, superficial doses can help minimize the appearance of pores, reduce oiliness, soften fine lines, and create a smoother overall finish without freezing your facial movements. —Jenny Jin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026

Noun

Several exclusive, bespoke massage treatments feature a handmade oil blend native to Kyoto, and facials use Japanese prestige skincare brand The Ginza. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026

Wellness programming includes indoor and outdoor onsen, forest bathing, traditional Japanese spa treatments like shiatsu massage and rice extract facials, and cuisine inspired by Kyoto’s historic culinary traditions. —Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 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