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

Digital imagery pulsed with the restless energy of today, layered over deep, moody lighting that sharpened every moment. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

With two children of her own, she’s witnessed the appeal of punchy patterns and bold imagery in rugs firsthand. —Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 24 Feb. 2025

As of February 21, the locations of 12 vessels were publicly available via military disclosures, as well as open-source imagery captured by satellites or ship-spotters. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

His connection to the region certainly informs the trancelike ecological imagery that underpins Arsin’s psycho-spiritual journey. —Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 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