visual

1 of 2

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvi-zhə-wəl 

-zhəl;

ˈvizh-wəl

1

: of, relating to, or used in vision

visual organs

2

: attained or maintained by sight

visual impressions

3

: visible

visual objects

4

: producing mental images : vivid

5

: done or executed by sight only

visual navigation

6

: of, relating to, or employing visual aids

visually

ˈvi-zhə-wə-lē 

-zhə-lē;

ˈvizh-wə-lē

adverb

visual

2 of 2

noun

: something (such as a graphic) that appeals to the sight and is used for effect or illustration

—usually used in plural

Synonyms

Adjective

• ocular
• optic
• optical

Noun

• diagram
• figure
• graphic
• illustration
• plate

Examples of visual in a Sentence

Adjective

color, shape, and other visual attributes

She appreciates the visual arts such as painting and film.

Maps are a visual tool for learning.

Noun

Should I include some visuals in my presentation?

a film director known for his powerful visuals

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Combat now includes sound effects, visual effects, hit reactions and crosshairs. —Carlie Procell, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

In his new book Cinema of Extractions (Columbia University Press), Caltech professor of visual culture Brian Jacobson puts the spotlight on the physical footprint of the business of Hollywood. —Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025

Noun

Highlights families should enjoy Here are some stand-out aspects of Sea Lions of the Galapagos that families should find appealing: The immersive visuals: The filmmaking is spectacular. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025

Stock footage is often just a collection of generic visuals, creating a slideshow effect rather than a compelling story. —Marcus Squier, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin visualis, from Latin visus sight, from vidēre to see

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1928, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing visual

• sub-visual
• visual acuity
• visual aid
• visual cortex
• visual field
• visual literacy
• visual purple

Kids Definition

visual

1 of 2 adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl 

ˈvizh-əl

1

: of, relating to, or used in vision

visual organs

2

: received by sight

visual impressions

3

: visible sense 1

visual objects

4

: of, relating to, or using visual aids

a visual presentation

visually

-ē 

adverb

visual

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a picture, chart, or film) that appeals to the sight and is used to illustrate, demonstrate, or advertise

—usually used in plural

Medical Definition

visual

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl, ˈvizh-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or used in vision

visual organs

2

: attained or maintained by sight

visual impressions

visually

ˈvizh-(ə-)wə-lē, ˈvizh-(ə-)lē 

adverb