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

Jack confronts Chase about using Japanese cultural imagery in campaign materials. —Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Blending expert interviews, archive material, and imagery of environmental destruction and factory labor, the film follows a loose three-act framework. —Lise Pedersen, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

Woody Harrelson voices the Planters mascot, Mr. Peanut—further proof of the budget going toward procuring recognizable imagery—but the generic role stifles the actor’s eccentric charm. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025

But Jordan imagery — and basketball generally — are popular in Venezuela. —David Noriega, NBC News, 18 Mar. 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