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 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
Instead of relying on conventional stereo cameras, the system processes visual differences between the left and right images to build a more accurate 3D understanding of a scene. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 That combination of voice control and visual display has been a tricky combination to replace locally. — New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
The cute and fluffy scene in Zelensky’s office in Kyiv was the latest volley in a deadly serious battle of visuals that runs in parallel to Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal four-year invasion. — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Realtor Dell Jeanty in Northern Virginia says that some curtains or drapes may be blocking the natural light that can enhance the visual of your interior to buyers. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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