imagery
IH-mihj-ree
Imagery (noun) means Pictures or visual representations considered as a group, especially photos or scans. Example: “The news report included satellite imagery of the flooding.”
noun
1
Pictures or visual representations considered as a group, especially photos or scans.
"The news report included satellite imagery of the flooding."
"Doctors studied the imagery from the scan to find the cause of the pain."
"The museum's website offers high-quality imagery of every painting in its collection."
2
Descriptive language in writing or speech that creates vivid mental pictures.
"The poem is full of imagery about the changing seasons."
"Her speech was rich in imagery, and I could almost see the old village."
"The author's imagery of the sea made the whole chapter feel cold and wet."
How to use imagery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a collection of pictures, or vivid, descriptive language that paints a picture in the reader's mind.
Common pairings
vivid imagery
satellite imagery
religious imagery
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Word forms
- Plural
- imageries
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The news report included satellite _____ of the flooding.
Etymology
From Middle French imagerie, built from "image" plus the suffix "-ry," originally referring to the craft of making pictures or statues.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for imagery
See all rhymes for imagery →Frequently asked questions
What does “imagery” mean?
The word “imagery” means pictures or visual representations considered as a group, especially photos or scans. In plain terms, either a collection of pictures, or vivid, descriptive language that paints a picture in the reader's mind.
How do you pronounce “imagery”?
“Imagery” is pronounced IH-mihj-ree (/ˈɪmɪd͡ʒɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “imagery” in a sentence?
Here is “imagery” used in a sentence: “The news report included satellite imagery of the flooding.”
What part of speech is “imagery”?
“Imagery” is a noun.
Where does the word “imagery” come from?
The word “imagery” comes from Middle French. From Middle French imagerie, built from "image" plus the suffix "-ry," originally referring to the craft of making pictures or statues.
Is “imagery” a common word?
“Imagery” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “imagery” have?
“Imagery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: pictures or visual representations considered as a group, especially photos or scans.
What is the difference between imagery and imagination?
Imagery refers to actual pictures or vivid descriptive language that creates mental pictures, while imagination is the mental faculty used to form new ideas or images that are not present to the senses. Imagery is something produced or used, whereas imagination is the ability that produces it.
What does imagery mean in poetry or literature?
In literature, imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures for the reader, such as describing colors, sounds, or textures. Writers use imagery to make scenes feel more immediate and emotionally engaging.
Can imagery refer to photographs or satellite pictures?
Yes, imagery also refers to a collection of actual visual material, such as satellite imagery or medical imagery, meaning photos or scans considered together as a group. This technical use is common in fields like science, mapping, and healthcare.
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