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

For this, companies turn to laser 3D scanning, specifically LiDAR (light detection and ranging) coupled with high-resolution imagery and tech called simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), which enables real-time mapping of indoor spaces, even in areas without GPS signals. —Carolyn Schwaar, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

While not a traditional Christmas movie, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe indulges the kind of imagery — snowy landscapes, sleigh rides, enchanted creatures — that embodies the season's spirit. —Sezín Devi Koehler, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024

The popemobile is an iconic piece of Vatican imagery. —Alana Wise, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024

The imagery used to build the database is obtained from sources such as NASA, NOAA and Google Earth. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024

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