photogenic

adjective

pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfō-tə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce photogenic (audio) -ˈjē- How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
Synonyms of photogenicnext
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.
Now, that’s not actually where the band first performed the song live, but then there are no music venues more photogenic than Red Rocks, its visual majesty showcased via sweeping drone shots. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 Both QBs are young and photogenic—and only one of them can lead the team this season. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2026 The archipelago off East Africa is made up of 115 different islands—including one that’s home to what’s perhaps the most photogenic beach in the world. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026 Etna Occupying one of the prettiest rooms at Monaci Delle Terre Nere, a bucolic wine estate and 18th-century baronial house reimagined as a boutique hotel, Locanda Nerello tickles the bon viveurs before the photogenic plates are served or the wine poured into paper-thin glasses. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photogenic. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster