figural

adjective

fig·​ur·​al ˈfi-g(y)ə-rəl 

1

: figurative sense 2a

2

: of, relating to, or consisting of human or animal figures

a figural composition

Synonyms of figural

• figurative
• metaphoric
• symbolic

Examples of figural in a Sentence

“a candidate running for office” is just a figural expression

Recent Examples on the Web

Mix up the coquette and the macabre with a light pink mug that features a pattern of both skulls and bows; opt for a shiny pink cauldron to lean into a feminine Halloween; or go for the cute figural option of a smiling ghost. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026

Display of a walking staff with a figural head and wooden ladles reveal a history of carving among the cultures Lewis was raised in. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026

However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option. — Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026

The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin figūrālis "of a figure, symbolic," from Latin figūra "form, shape, figure entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figural

• flexural
• furfural
• transmural
• crural
• dural
• jural
• mural
• neural
• pleural
• plural
• rural
• sural