imagery

noun

im·​ag·​ery ˈi-mij-rē How to pronounce imagery (audio)
-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
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.
During more than two hours of testimony, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities are in possession of numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the craft unlike any of the grainy imagery that has so far been declassified. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 Over the course of 15 years, Carmella created about 100 varieties of needlepoint eyes (among other imagery) that Carney and Ross would finish with vintage frames and then sell, via their website and shop in Boston, to collectors around the world. Rima Suqi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Silksong is steeped in religious imagery — desolate chapels, ringing church bells, even rosary beads that act as in-game currency. Keller Gordon, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025 In somewhat traditional imagery, Turlington – the nephew of supermodel Christy – poses alongside models Garrett Neff and Gabriel Aubry against a brass backdrop, sitting on a black leather armchair or leaning against the wall. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imagery

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of imagery was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagery. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

imagery

noun
im·​ag·​ery ˈim-ij-(ə-)rē How to pronounce imagery (audio)
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 How to pronounce imagery (audio)
plural imageries
: mental images
eidetic imagery
especially : the products of imagination
psychotic imagery

More from Merriam-Webster on imagery

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