optical illusion

American  

noun

1. illusion4

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optical illusion British  

noun

1. an object causing a false visual impression

2. an instance of deception by such an object

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Etymology

Origin of optical illusion

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

By presenting Satan's fall as a violent physical event instead of a purely spiritual allegory or optical illusion, Dante may have helped move Western thought toward the idea that celestial objects can directly reshape Earth.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

This is actually something of an optical illusion, for the options are not getting more expensive in terms of price as the earnings date approaches.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

It turns out that the abundant free cash flow that Meta reports to investors is something of an optical illusion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Roads officials said an "optical illusion appeared to have been created when the footway was extended next to the cycle lane".

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2025

Or that optical illusion with the staircases that never stop going upward.

From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy