facial
Americanadjective
-
of the face.
facial expression.
-
for the face.
a facial cream.
noun
-
facials
plural
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of facial
1600–10; 1910–15 facial for def. 3; < Medieval Latin faciālis. See face, -al 1
Explanation
When you describe something as facial, it has to do with the face. Your facial expression is the smile — or frown — that you happen to be wearing on your face. Your facial features are made up of your eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks — everything that together comprises your whole face. When you use the word facial as a noun, it means a spa treatment that usually includes a deep cleaning and moisturizing of the face. You might decide to get a massage and a facial at the fancy resort hotel where you're spending a relaxing week. The Medieval Latin root is facialis, "of the face," from facies, "figure, appearance, or countenance."
Vocabulary lists containing facial
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
According to Mayo Clinic, the condition causes temporary weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, and Brolin felt there was “nothing else to blame” for the symptoms.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
Critics said there would be issues with data privacy and users finding ways to trick age-verification technologies such as facial recognition, digital IDs and credit card details.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
It uses facial recognition to identify passengers and scans carry-on luggage coming in and out of the country.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
As part of its efforts, China reportedly has put in place hundreds of facial recognition cameras, noted Rachel Minyoung Lee, senior fellow with the Stimson Center's 38 North.
From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026
The man smiled slightly, his facial hair curving in response.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
They have introduced a boutique spa for 2026 as they said demand for wellbeing activities continued to boom and it will offer treatment tents, facials and aromatherapy as "moments of serenity" for festival-goers.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
The Woodhouse Spa offers everything from massages to facials and body treatments in a comfortable, low-key space.
From Salon ● Mar. 31, 2026
Today, he suggested, a more common sign of status is spending money on things like yoga classes or facials.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026
Med spas all over Los Angeles now offer what they call salmon DNA facials.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 9, 2025
And somewhere deep down inside, even though it may seem hopeless now, I know I’ll still long for a day when Mama and I could do pedicures and facials and manicures together.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
