figural

adjective

fig·​ur·​al ˈfi-g(y)ə-rəl How to pronounce figural (audio)
1
2
: of, relating to, or consisting of human or animal figures
a figural composition

Examples of figural in a Sentence

“a candidate running for office” is just a figural expression
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.
The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025 As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded. Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025 Arrange the Charlie Brown and Snoopy figural mugs on a coffee or drink station, paired with extra-dark hot chocolate, caramel apple cider, or spiced coffee. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2025 Abstract painters, figural painters, composers, language poets . . . Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for figural

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin figūrālis "of a figure, symbolic," from Latin figūra "form, shape, figure entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figural. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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