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

The misplaced foot is something of an optical illusion, due mainly to Trumbull’s less than masterful drawing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 4, 2026

The saber-toothed cat that appears mirage-like through a window, an optical illusion known as a Pepper’s Ghost, doesn’t reflect modern knowledge of the animal’s anatomy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

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

“Like you said, it’s not magic. Must be something like our sky turning gray. Some kind of optical illusion or hologram, hiding a doorway. This place is all jacked up.”

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner