facial
Americanadjective
-
of the face.
facial expression.
-
for the face.
a facial cream.
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
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.
And Meta reportedly plans to add facial recognition technology in an updated version of its glasses, meaning wearers could not only have the ability to surreptitiously record anyone, but quickly identify them, as well.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Measures the Met is planning include the first authorisation of live facial recognition cameras at a demonstration.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Like so many other TV personalities in 2026, she cannot move her forehead, giving her already steely vibe the facial permanence of a screengrab.
From Slate • May 6, 2026
It said a recent online survey found 28% of users have AI person and package detection, and 39% want facial recognition, despite concerns about surveillance and access to footage.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Cats, however, have a minimum of 101 facial expressions.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
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.
