Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words
Definition of pictorial - 3 dictionary results

pic⋅to⋅ri⋅al

  [pik-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-ee-uhl]
Use pictorial in a Sentence
–adjective
1. pertaining to, expressed in, or of the nature of a picture.
2. illustrated by or containing pictures: a pictorial history.
3. of or pertaining to the art of painting and drawing pictures, the pictures themselves, or their makers: the pictorial masterpieces of the Renaissance.
4. having or suggesting the visual appeal or imagery of a picture: a pictorial metaphor.
–noun
5. a periodical in which pictures constitute an important feature.
6. a magazine feature that is primarily photographic.
Origin:
1640–50; < L pictōri(us) of painting (pic-, var. s. of pingere to paint + -tōrius -tory 1 ) + -al 1

Related forms:
pic⋅to⋅ri⋅al⋅ly, adverb
pic⋅to⋅ri⋅al⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
4. picturesque, vivid, striking, telling.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pictorial
pic·to·ri·al   (pĭk-tôr'ē-əl, -tōr'-)   
adj.  

  1. Relating to, characterized by, or composed of pictures.

  2. Represented as if in a picture: pictorial prose.

  3. Illustrated by pictures: a pictorial history.

n.  An illustrated periodical.

[From Latin pictōrius, from pictor, painter; see Pictor.]
pic·to'ri·al'i·ty (-āl'ĭ-tē) n., pic·to'ri·al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

pictorial  (adj.)
1646, from L. pictorius "of a painter," from L. pictor "painter," from pp. stem of pingere "to make pictures" (see paint). The noun meaning "journal in which pictures are the main feature" is first recorded 1844.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see pictorial on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way