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 graphic motif is echoed on the laces, creating a refined visual continuity that ties every element of the sneaker together. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

His second grid made clever work of visual representations of typefaces. — New York Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

The new tower, expected to open in about 22 months, will be 50 feet taller, allowing controllers better visuals of the entire runway for incoming planes. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Also, in producing more original films, which push the envelope on narrative or visuals, filmmakers are making a virtue out of a market necessity. — John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 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