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

This allows for hiding in plain sight, building a fortress of external accomplishments, activity, social media imagery, family, relationships, and success that block loved ones from confronting or even noticing your drinking. —Sarah Allen Benton, SELF, 23 Dec. 2025

In this imagery, @NOAA's #GOESWest (#GOES18) is tracking the moisture that is streaming in from the Pacific with its #WaterVapor channel. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025

There is a large law enforcement presence in Salem, New Hampshire, according to video and aerial imagery from NBC Boston, which is believed to be in connection with the investigation into the Brown University shooting. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025

Hubble’s more recent imagery shows the dissipating remains of the smash encounter. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 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