imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē 

-mi-jə-

plural imageries

1

a

: pictures produced by an imaging system

b

: the product of image makers : images

also : the art of making images

2

: figurative language

3

: mental images

especially : the products of imagination

Examples of imagery in a Sentence

The book contains a great deal of sexual imagery.

The movie was full of biblical imagery.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the imagery becomes deeply poignant when Benito leans in for what appears to be a kiss, only for the frame to reveal no one standing beside him. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025

The investigation, initiated by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, stems from a complaint filed by the Native American Guardian's Association, a nonprofit advocating for the preservation of Native American imagery in sports and public life. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

This year, students were asked to create imagery with the theme of Earth Day. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

Native plants have a distinctly wild look, so pairing them with natural stone creates more realistic imagery and a low-maintenance design. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymagerie "images portrayed in sculpture, painting, etc.," borrowed from Anglo-French, from ymage, image image entry 1 + -erie -ery

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing imagery

• satellite imagery

Kids Definition

imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē 

plural imageries

1

: images that can be seen or that are imagined

2

: language that suggests how someone or something looks, sounds, feels, smells, or tastes

Medical Definition

imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē 

plural imageries

: mental images

eidetic imagery

especially : the products of imagination

psychotic imagery