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 of visual

Adjective

• optical
• optic

Noun

• diagram
• graphic
• illustration
• image

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

Known for his artistic approach, Hardy draws inspiration from visual arts and architecture, evident in his bold and innovative designs. —Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

Together with kabuki hairstylist Tadashi Nishimatsu — Kyoko Toyokawa did the film’s non-performance hair and makeup — Hibino blended faithful Edo era references with visual distinctions between characters. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Noun

Guests are greeted with a custom cocktail and escorted to their seats around a circular table in a private room for a multi-course, multi-sensory dining experience complete with music and interactive visuals. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

Interwoven between Muñoz’s warm, patient and interactive lessons are musical numbers that range from nursery range to rock to folksy with visuals that fluctuate between grounded and fantastical. —Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

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