photogenic

adjective

pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfō-tə-ˈje-nik  -ˈjē- 

1

: produced or precipitated by light

photogenic dermatitis

2

: producing or generating light : phosphorescent

photogenic bacteria

3

: suitable for being photographed especially because of visual appeal

a photogenic smile

photogenically

ˌfō-tə-ˈje-ni-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈjē-

adverb

Examples of photogenic in a Sentence

She's a very photogenic child.

This is the city's most photogenic park.

Recent Examples on the Web

Back to Jake’s putt for par on the photogenic fifth hole. — John Dunlap, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

Some stand throughout the country as archaeological sites, such as the photogenic Pinkuylluna near Ollantaytambo, just an hour's drive from Mil. — Paola Miglio, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

Muizenberg’s historic and colorful changing cabins are especially photogenic; plus, the water is warm and calm, perfect for anyone just learning to surf. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026

The Apostle Islands are unbelievably photogenic, the geologic equivalent of Halle Berry in soft light. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for photogenic

• allergenic
• androgenic
• antigenic
• authigenic
• autogenic
• biogenic
• bronchogenic
• chromogenic
• cryogenic
• echogenic
• estrogenic
• isogenic

Kids Definition

photogenic

adjective

pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik  -ˈjēn- 

: suitable for being photographed : likely to photograph well

a photogenic child

photogenically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

photogenic

adjective

pho·​to·​gen·​ic ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik 

1

: produced or precipitated by light

photogenic epilepsy

photogenic dermatitis

2

: producing or generating light : phosphorescent

photogenic bacteria