photogenic

adjective

pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfō-tə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce photogenic (audio) -ˈjē- How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
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 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
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.
Each piece is photogenic, featherlight, and endlessly versatile—ideal for golden hour on the sundeck, shore excursions, casual dinners, and everything in between. Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025 Famous for its photogenic waterfalls and blossoming fruit orchards, the Hardanger region is a favorite among Norwegians for its richness in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Where to experience a tea ceremony in Japan A traditional Japanese garden is a photogenic background to the tea ceremony at Camellia Kyoto, which has English-speaking staff. Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025 More active wine tourists can book popular e-bike tours, plan walks, or run beside the photogenic hills and vineyards. Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for photogenic

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photogenic was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Photogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photogenic. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

photogenic

adjective
pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce photogenic (audio) -ˈjēn- How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
: suitable for being photographed : likely to photograph well
a photogenic child
photogenically adverb

Medical Definition

photogenic

adjective
pho·​to·​gen·​ic ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
1
: produced or precipitated by light
photogenic epilepsy
photogenic dermatitis
2
: producing or generating light : phosphorescent
photogenic bacteria

More from Merriam-Webster on photogenic

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