imagery

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noun im·ag·ery \ ˈi-mij-rē , -mi-jə- \

Definition of imagery

plural imageries

1 a :the product of image makers :images; also :the art of making images

b :pictures produced by an imaging system

2 :figurative language

3 :mental images; especially :the products of imagination

See imagery defined for English-language learners

See imagery defined for kids

Examples of imagery in a Sentence

The book contains a great deal of sexual imagery.
The movie was full of biblical imagery.

Recent Examples of imagery from the Web

While there is no Confederate imagery in the parish, a window over the altar depicting the resurrection was dedicated to Lee, as was its prominent brass cross.

— michelle boorstein, Washington Post, "This is the church where Robert E. Lee declared himself a sinner. Should it keep his name?," 22 Aug. 2017
The UN is using satellite data technology, radar imagery and drone mapping to help evaluate which areas are at further risk for a second mudslide.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "Death Toll Nears 300 Following Deadly Sierra Leone Mudslide," 15 Aug. 2017
Inmates use meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive relaxation, which Kahler said has been beneficial in reducing anxiety without the use of drugs.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Harford jail unit aids inmates serious about recovery from addiction," 7 Aug. 2017
Granwell’s organically shaped papier-maché sculptures take up the middle of the gallery, echoing (though not intentionally on her part) the imagery and abstraction in Hoffmann and Lovitz’s paintings.

— edith newhall, Philly.com, "Exceptional summer shows at local galleries … and a home for the Vox diaspora," 27 July 2017
In particular, Census officials set a goal of having in-house employees verify 75% of the nation’s housing units by poring over satellite imagery and other data from commercial mapping services.

— jeffrey mervis, Science | AAAS, "Money, politics, and the 2020 Census," 24 July 2017
It's got a nod to the floral scheme, the Botticelli's Venus imagery, and—of course—the veil.

— lindsay schallon, Glamour, "Beyoncé Just Shared the First Photo of Her Twins Rumi and Sir Carter," 14 July 2017
Smoking gun imagery entered the lexicon of American scandals in the final stage of Watergate.

— marc fisher and david nakamura, chicagotribune.com, "Is Donald Trump Jr.'s 'I love it' email a smoking gun or a distraction?," 12 July 2017
Last fall, Trump Jr. tweeted images of Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character whose image has been used by white supremacists, as well as imagery which likened Syrian refugees to poisonous Skittles candy.

— jonathan lemire, The Seattle Times, "Long his father’s attack dog, Trump Jr. now in eye of storm," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imagery.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of imagery

14th century

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

IMAGERY Defined for English Language Learners

imagery

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noun

Definition of imagery for English Language Learners

: pictures or photographs
: language that causes people to imagine pictures in their mind
: pictures of people or things in a work of art

IMAGERY Defined for Kids

imagery

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noun im·ag·ery \ ˈi-mij-rē , -mi-jə- \

Definition of imagery for Students

:pictures or photographs of something

satellite imagery

Medical Dictionary

imagery

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noun im·ag·ery \ ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē \

medical Definition of imagery

plural imageries

:mental images

eidetic imagery

; especially :the products of imagination

psychotic imagery

Learn More about imagery

Spanish Central: Translation of imagery Nglish: Translation of imagery for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of imagery for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imagery

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up imagery? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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imagery

Definition of imagery

From the M-W Editors

Examples of imagery in a Sentence

Recent Examples of imagery from the Web

First Known Use of imagery

Other Fine Arts Terms

Phrases Related to IMAGERY

Related Phrases

IMAGERY Defined for English Language Learners

imagery

Definition of imagery for English Language Learners

IMAGERY Defined for Kids

imagery

Definition of imagery for Students

Medical Dictionary

imagery

medical Definition of imagery

Learn More about imagery

Seen and Heard

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