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

Not too long ago, augmented reality was the hot topic in tech circles, and the metaverse was the next big thing.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

“The smartphone put our lives in our pockets, but augmented reality puts computing into the world where life actually happens, and that is the shift from phones to Specs,” Spiegel said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

Meta has shifted resources away from its augmented reality initiative known as the Metaverse and toward AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

These capabilities are important for building wide field-of-view waveguides used in augmented reality glasses and smart contact lenses.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu