imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē 

-mi-jə-

plural imageries

1

a

: pictures produced by an imaging system

imagery from the satellite

b

: the product of image makers : images

A host of computer animation tools … have made it easier to create, manipulate, and multiply imagery.

—Dike Blair et al.

also : the art of making images

2

: figurative language

a poem with biblical imagery

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

With a focus on the landscape and countryside culture that have influenced Hunter from the start, the imagery brings together the brand’s utilitarian heritage with Moss’ unique style, fusing past and present through a modern lens. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Later in the teaser, Johnson appears in white, which suggests some kind of wedding imagery? — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Bird has spent more than a quarter century trying to make the film, which combines film noir themes and imagery with classic sci-fi elements for what promises to be a singular alien mystery. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026

These combine interior and exterior figurative imagery from the tropical foliage and vibrant cityscapes around her, but can appear torn and fragmented. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

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