visual

1 of 2

adjective

vi·​su·​al ˈvi-zhə-wəl How to pronounce visual (audio)
-zhəl;
ˈvizh-wəl
Synonyms of visualnext
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 How to pronounce visual (audio)
-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 of visual

Relevance

Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Adjective
Her artistic work extends into visual illustration and fashion, with her tattoos and styling choices making her a distinctively individual presence in the group's lineup. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The mother may also have auditory or visual hallucinations that drive her to harm herself or the infant. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
The angrier the Wolverine, the better the bloody visuals and power moves onscreen. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 Wrangling a sprawling cast and eye-popping visuals that look lush in either the black-and-white or color versions, the series was not only popular amongst the comic book crowd, but was nominated for a whopping 11 Emmy nominations. — Matt Minton, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for visual

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of visual was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing visual

Browse Nearby Words

Vistula
visual
visual acuity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visual. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

visual

1 of 2 adjective
vi·​su·​al ˈvizh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce visual (audio)
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 How to pronounce visual (audio)
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 How to pronounce visual (audio)
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 How to pronounce visual (audio)
adverb

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