optical illusion

noun

plural optical illusions
: a misleading image presented to the vision
Zebras look like optical illusions to me. Which are they—black with white stripes or white with black stripes?Al Robinson
The sun, moon, and planets circle above the terrestrial plane in the region of the equator. Their apparent rising and setting is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric refraction …Ranger Rick

Examples of optical illusion in a Sentence

The closer building looks larger than the farther one, but it's just an optical illusion. The two buildings are actually the same size.
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 level of the equity market and the tightness of credit spreads may have created something of an optical illusion that all elements of the world are in a better place. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 Among the shoes were some fascinating hybrid designs which presented an optical illusion of sorts. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025 This chevron pick creates an optical illusion underfoot to hide any dirt or debris. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025 Known for surrealistic designs and sculptural shapes, Harri transformed mostly wide-leg jeans into optical illusions with through prints and gradients. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optical illusion

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optical illusion was in 1763

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Cite this Entry

“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical%20illusion. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

optical illusion

noun

Medical Definition

optical illusion

noun
: visual perception of a real object in such a way as to misinterpret its actual nature

More from Merriam-Webster on optical illusion

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