figural

adjective

fig·​ur·​al ˈfi-g(y)ə-rəl 

1

: figurative sense 2a

2

: of, relating to, or consisting of human or animal figures

a figural composition

Synonyms

• extended
• figurative
• metaphoric
• metaphorical
• tropical
• tropological

Examples of figural in a Sentence

“a candidate running for office” is just a figural expression

Recent Examples on the Web

But for his own figural edification, Degas made lots of small sculptures, mostly of dancers, horses and bathers, subjects that also populated his paintings. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024

Higgins and her colleagues, though, are concentrating on figural graffiti, which range from humans and animals (often representing a god) to game boards likely carved by Isis’ priests for diversion during their off hours. —Amy Crawford, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023

The Temple also had early medieval ancestors called figural or figured poems. —V.m. Braganza, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

Along with Claes Oldenburg and Ed Kienholz, Segal (1924-2000) was one of the principal figures to revitalize figural realism in the second half of the 20th century. —John Wilmerding, WSJ, 3 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin figūrālis "of a figure, symbolic," from Latin figūra "form, shape, figure entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1