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
Shoppers at the Square can now also get a facial at the Face Foundrié, a skincare company known for its facial bar. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 However, Glanville still maintains that her severe facial disfigurement was caused by a parasite. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Noun
Common services now include facials, acupuncture and even Botox. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 28 June 2026 However, between beach trips, grimy airplanes, and constant sweating, this is when my clogged, dry skin needs an excellent facial the most. Irene Richardson, InStyle, 20 June 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 7 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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