figural

American  

[fig-yer-uhl] / ˈfɪg yər əl /

adjective

1. consisting of figures, especially human or animal figures.

   the figural representations contained in ancient wall paintings.

---

figural British  

/ ˈfɪɡərəl /

adjective

1. composed of or relating to human or animal figures

---

Other Word Forms

• figurally adverb

Etymology

Origin of figural

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin figūrālis, equivalent to Latin figūra figure + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

"And yet here is another fact — Muslims have created and enjoyed figural representations of Muhammad throughout much of the history of Islam in some parts of the Islamic world."

From Salon

Early in her career she became known for her figural works, particularly those depicting the female body, and moved over time to using nature as a springboard for her art.

From New York Times

The resulting slug sculptures, manipulated to fit within the room, coexist with her paintings, which, as usual, depict ungainly yet attractive figural distortions.

From New York Times

“It was an almost horizontal monument,” Gang says of the landing, “a place that could also somehow represent democracy and the people, and not have a figural statue standing on it.”

From Los Angeles Times

One of her works in the Baltimore show, a figural work on vellum called “Cousins: Rug Burn,” was still in the studio when Ms. Thomas arrived.

From New York Times