photographic

adjective

pho·​to·​graph·​ic ˌfō-tə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce photographic (audio)
1
: relating to, obtained by, or used in photography
2
: representing nature and human beings with the exactness of a photograph
3
: capable of retaining vivid impressions
a photographic memory
photographically adverb

Examples of photographic in a Sentence

photographic images of the galaxy
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.
However, all of the witnesses — including those who were on his boat — as well as photographic and global positioning satellite data, dispute that claim. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025 For over a century, video and photographic evidence have been a foundation of truth in courtrooms. Jason Crawforth, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 The photographic plate lights up bright right across from the slit and dims further away from it. Matt Von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025 Mao had also fully grasped the natural suitability of photographic and filmic media for the broadcasting and cognitive technologies of totalitarianism. Nan Z. Da june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for photographic

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photographic was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Photographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photographic. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

photographic

adjective
pho·​to·​graph·​ic ˌfōt-ə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce photographic (audio)
1
: relating to, obtained by, or used in photography
photographic supplies
2
: capable of remembering details exactly
a photographic memory
photographically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on photographic

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