Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

photographic memory

American  
[foh-tuh-graf-ik mem-ree, mem-uh-ree] / ˈfoʊ təˌgræf ɪk ˈmɛm ri, ˈmɛm ə ri /

noun

photographic memories plural
  1. the exceptional ability to recall information with very high accuracy or vivid detail, especially visual or spatial details.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

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.

Her other superpower, coupled with this sheer speed, was what former employees describe as the aural equivalent of a photographic memory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Leon tells me he has a kind of photographic memory when it comes to his creative decisions.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

It was spotted by Dr Gradel, who says he was born with a photographic memory.

From BBC • May 27, 2024

The boy with a photographic memory and a penchant for detailed drawing became fascinated with identifying trees during a winter scouting excursion in the 1960s.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2023

“It’s called a photographic memory, and anyway, I don’t see how that would help you remember what was being said since photographic memory deals with sight—not hearing!”

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "photographic memory" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com