visual

1 of 2

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvi-zhə-wəl 

-zhəl;

ˈvizh-wəl

1

: of, relating to, or used in vision

visual organs

2

: attained or maintained by sight

visual impressions

3

: visible

visual objects

4

: producing mental images : vivid

5

: done or executed by sight only

visual navigation

6

: of, relating to, or employing visual aids

visually

ˈvi-zhə-wə-lē 

-zhə-lē;

ˈvizh-wə-lē

adverb

visual

2 of 2

noun

: something (such as a graphic) that appeals to the sight and is used for effect or illustration

—usually used in plural

Synonyms

Adjective

• ocular
• optic
• optical

Noun

• diagram
• figure
• graphic
• illustration
• plate

Examples of visual in a Sentence

Adjective

color, shape, and other visual attributes

She appreciates the visual arts such as painting and film.

Maps are a visual tool for learning.

Noun

Should I include some visuals in my presentation?

a film director known for his powerful visuals

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Not every feature or data point needs to be exposed in the user interface—doing so can lead to visual clutter and overwhelm the user. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Big, bold swings in the visual language and sound design department alternate with stillness and silence. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2025

Noun

Ultimately, what results is a muddled mess and overcomplicated visuals that can cause customers to tune out. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Or it may be based on false connections, where headlines, visuals or captions don’t align with the content. —Angshuman K. Kashyap, The Conversation, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin visualis, from Latin visus sight, from vidēre to see

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1928, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing visual

• sub-visual
• visual acuity
• visual aid
• visual cortex
• visual field
• visual literacy
• visual purple

Kids Definition

visual

1 of 2 adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl 

ˈvizh-əl

1

: of, relating to, or used in vision

visual organs

2

: received by sight

visual impressions

3

: visible sense 1

visual objects

4

: of, relating to, or using visual aids

a visual presentation

visually

-ē 

adverb

visual

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a picture, chart, or film) that appeals to the sight and is used to illustrate, demonstrate, or advertise

—usually used in plural

Medical Definition

visual

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl, ˈvizh-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or used in vision

visual organs

2

: attained or maintained by sight

visual impressions

visually

ˈvizh-(ə-)wə-lē, ˈvizh-(ə-)lē 

adverb