1
: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face

facial

2 of 2

noun

: a treatment to improve the condition or appearance of the facial skin

Examples of facial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Madison Square Garden’s current on-site technology includes cameras that scan for facial recognition, allowing the arena to track every person who enters the building. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026 This allegedly included tax and banking data, passport scans, interview recordings, facial biometrics, and internal records, according to a class action filed in April against Mercor in California. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 9 July 2026
Noun
Medical consultants and therapists provide cardio and nutritional assessments, deep-tissue massages, facials, and gynecological examinations. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026 This summer, La Prairie returns with its seasonal pop-up (thru September 11), bringing the Swiss skincare brand’s signature facials body treatments. Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for facial

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin faciālis "face-to-face, direct," from Latin faciēs "appearance, face entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

derivative of facial entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of facial was in 1746

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Facial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to the face

facial

2 of 2 noun
: a treatment to improve the condition of the skin of the face

Medical Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the face
facial neuralgia
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
3
: relating to or being the buccal and labial surface of a tooth

facial

2 of 2 noun
1
: a treatment to improve the appearance of the face
2
: a facial part (as a nerve or artery)

Legal Definition

facial

adjective
fa·​cial
: involving or apparent from the face of something (as a statute)
facial discrimination
a facial challenge to the law
facially adverb

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