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

What To Know Satellite imagery provided by Planet Labs PBC shows that the pier was under construction as of May 25 and was completed by Monday. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

For charming nautical imagery, head to the Bath Harbor Marina. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 18 July 2025

The sonar imagery showed lots of rocks, trees and other debris, reports CBS News’ Kerry Breen. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025

Rather than polished, aspirational imagery, Away tells a more honest story: one that embraces the in-between, the imperfect, and the often unfiltered realities of modern travel. —Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 16 July 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