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 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

The frozen velocity of paint whipped across a canvas suggested a new visual metaphor for intensity, aggression, violence, virility, force, energy, music, and ecstasy, a more efficient representation than any previous word or picture had managed. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

The suspect is now charged with possession of child pornography – a second-degree felony – along with voyeurism of a child victim and possession of certain visual material depicting a child, both of which are state jail felonies. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Noun

The most common pushback concerns the trailer’s psychedelic space-rock visuals, with many comparing the project to a Marvel movie. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Directed by Bo Mirhosseni, the 2017 visual now has over 27 million views. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Oct. 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