augmented reality

American  

[awg-men-tid ree-al-i-tee, awg-men-tid] / ˈɔgˌmɛn tɪd riˈæl ɪ ti, ɔgˈmɛn tɪd /

noun

1. Digital Technology. AR

   1. an enhanced image or environment as viewed on a screen or other display, produced by overlaying computer-generated images, sounds, or other data on a real-world environment.

   2. a system or technology used to produce such an enhanced environment.

      With augmented reality, tourists can see signs and other written words translated into English just by using their smartphone camera and this app.

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augmented reality British  

noun

1. an artificial environment created through the combination of real-world and computer-generated data

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Etymology

Origin of augmented reality

First recorded in 1980–85; patterned after virtual reality

Example Sentences

His duties have included oversight of its metaverse operations, encompassing virtual and augmented reality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Virtual and augmented reality will also be a key part of live entertainment, Bechtel says, allowing individual audience members to experience different versions of the same show.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

The phenomenon has evolved since the first 1996 game release with anime series, movies, a trading card game and the augmented reality smartphone app "Pokemon Go".

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Since 2017 it has released augmented reality apps and experiences letting people play with computer-generated models layered over their surroundings.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

“You don’t have any augmented reality overlaid in your home,” I say as I sit.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu