imagery

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.

“Imagery” is pronounced IH-mihj-ree (/ˈɪmɪd͡ʒɹi/ in IPA).

Here is “imagery” used in a sentence: “The news report included satellite imagery of the flooding.”

“Imagery” is a noun.

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.

“Imagery” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.