pictorial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “pictorial” mean?
Relating to, consisting of, or expressed through pictures or visual imagery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to, consisting of, or expressed through pictures or visual imagery.
Describing something presented so vividly in words that it creates a clear, visual image in the mind; of or pertaining to the art of painting or drawing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations in related compound words (e.g., 'pictorialise' vs. 'pictorialize' follow the -ise/-ize pattern).
Connotations
In both variants, carries connotations of art, illustration, and visual documentation.
Frequency
Equally used in formal and academic contexts in both regions; relatively low frequency in casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “pictorial” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (pictorial history)be + pictorial (the account was highly pictorial)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pictorial” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form in common use.
American English
- No standard verb form in common use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form in common use.
American English
- No standard adverb form in common use.
adjective
British English
- The book provides a pictorial record of London's architectural history.
- Her description of the valley was wonderfully pictorial.
American English
- The museum's pictorial timeline of the Civil War is fascinating.
- The article included a pictorial guide to identifying local birds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing or publishing for materials relying heavily on images (e.g., 'a pictorial brochure').
Academic
Common in art history, history, archaeology, and media studies (e.g., 'pictorial sources', 'pictorial turn').
Everyday
Rare in casual talk; used when describing photo albums, illustrated books, or vivid descriptions.
Technical
Used in library science (pictorial works), museology, and digital media (pictorial data).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pictorial”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pictorial”
- Using it as a noun for a single picture (incorrect: 'I took a pictorial'; correct: 'I took a picture').
- Confusing with 'picture' as a verb (incorrect: 'Can you pictorial this?'; correct: 'Can you picture this?').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, academic, or descriptive contexts related to art, history, and visual media. It is uncommon in casual conversation.
Rarely. As a noun, it is an outdated or specialised term for an illustrated periodical or newspaper (e.g., 'a weekly pictorial'). In modern usage, it is almost exclusively an adjective.
While both relate to visual representation, 'pictorial' strongly implies pictures, illustrations, or visual artistry. 'Graphic' is broader, covering diagrams, charts, and explicit visual detail, and can also mean 'vivid' in a potentially shocking way.
No. The related verb is 'to picture' or 'to depict'. 'To pictorialise/pictorialize' exists but is extremely rare and not recommended for general use.
Relating to, consisting of, or expressed through pictures or visual imagery.
Pictorial: in British English it is pronounced /pɪkˈtɔːrɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɪkˈtɔːriəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PICTURE' embedded in 'pictorIAL'. If it's pictorial, it's picture-ial, all about pictures.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING / COMMUNICATION IS SHOWING (e.g., a pictorial explanation helps you 'see' the idea).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'pictorial' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?