imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē 

-mi-jə-

plural imageries

1

a

: pictures produced by an imaging system

b

: the product of image makers : images

also : the art of making images

2

: figurative language

3

: mental images

especially : the products of imagination

Examples of imagery in a Sentence

The book contains a great deal of sexual imagery.

The movie was full of biblical imagery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thoughtful design—including layout, imagery and spacing—reduces friction in this process and encourages clicks. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

In addition, there is a remote imaging system that sends back real-time visual and sonar imagery to the operators on the mothership. —David Szondy june 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2025

Though its name conjures colorful imagery, the moon may not appear pink or red. —Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025

The imagery is often good enough to tell whether the area has campsites. —Outside Online, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymagerie "images portrayed in sculpture, painting, etc.," borrowed from Anglo-French, from ymage, image image entry 1 + -erie -ery

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing imagery

• satellite imagery

Kids Definition

imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē 

plural imageries

1

: images that can be seen or that are imagined

2

: language that suggests how someone or something looks, sounds, feels, smells, or tastes

Medical Definition

imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē 

plural imageries

: mental images

eidetic imagery

especially : the products of imagination

psychotic imagery