figurative

adjective

fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
1
a
: representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic
the figurative dove of peace
b
: of or relating to representation of form or figure in art
figurative sculpture
2
a
: expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous : metaphorical
figurative language
in a figurative sense, civilization marches up and downLewis Mumford
b
: characterized by figures of speech
a figurative description
figurativeness noun

Did you know?

Words and phrases can have both literal and figurative meanings, and we all use words with both kinds of meanings every day of our lives. We can literally close the door to a room, or we can figuratively close the door to further negotiations—that is, refuse to take part in them. Figurative language includes figures of speech, such as similes ("she's been like a sister to me") and metaphors ("a storm of protest"). And sometimes it's hard to tell whether a phrase is literal or figurative: If I say I "picked up" a little Spanish in Mexico, is that literal or figurative? You've probably noticed that lots of the definitions in this book show both a literal meaning (often something physical) and a figurative meaning (often nonphysical).

Examples of figurative in a Sentence

The phrase “know your ropes” means literally “to know a lot about ropes,” while its figurative meaning is “to know a lot about how to do something.” the figurative use of “allergy” to mean “a feeling of dislike”
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.
The exhibit features recent portraits and figurative paintings that explore nostalgia, sexuality and companionship. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025 On November 2, 2025, the Baltimore Museum of Art will open the mid-career survey capturing the power and poignancy of Sherald’s artistry, tracing her ascendance to the most influential figurative painter of our time. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Hush was met with generally favorable reviews at the time of its release, and employs similar stakes (both literal and figurative) as seen in Scream. Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025 If not literal, then at least figurative. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for figurative

Word History

Etymology

Middle English figuratif "representing symbolically," from Medieval Latin figūrātīvus, from Latin figūrātus, past participle of figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -īvus -ive — more at figure entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of figurative was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figurative. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

figurative

adjective
fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
: expressing one thing in terms normally used for another : metaphorical
the figurative use of "foot" in "the foot of the mountain"
figuratively adverb
figurativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on figurative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!