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 Barbarian and Archer Queen have joined forces and are recruiting you to help take the village — and his facial hair — back. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026 Davidson is wearing a wig of epic proportions along with what appears to be some facial prosthetics for the movie, which will turn him into the titular character. Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Noun
One week before your wedding is an ideal time to receive your final facial. Rio Viera-Newton, Vogue, 23 July 2026 The resort’s Opal Spa, Salt and Sound Lounge, and hydrotherapy center offer full-service treatments ranging from massages, facials, and wraps to halotherapy. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 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 25 Jul. 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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