visceral

American  

[vis-er-uhl] / ˈvɪs ər əl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the viscera.

2. affecting the viscera.

3. of the nature of or resembling viscera.

4. characterized by or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect.

   a visceral reaction.

5. characterized by or dealing with coarse or base emotions; earthy; crude.

   a visceral literary style.

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visceral British  

/ ˈvɪsərəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affecting the viscera

2. characterized by intuition or instinct rather than intellect

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Other Word Forms

• nonvisceral adjective
• unvisceral adjective
• viscerally adverb

Etymology

Origin of visceral

First recorded in 1565–75; from Medieval Latin viscerālis, equivalent to viscer(a) ( viscera ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

The search for an American airman stranded behind enemy lines jolted the U.S., making what had been an abstract air war feel visceral beyond the grainy footage of explosions released by the White House.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Disruptions in this newly identified signaling pathway may play a role in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, and chronic visceral pain.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

It’s everything that great art can and should be: visceral, inspiring and unforgettable.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Actress Rose Byrne gives a visceral portrayal of a burnt out mother who feels alone in her struggle to meet the needs of her daughter and hold up the scaffolding of family life.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

While I was driving, I replayed the events that had just transpired in the store and the visceral reaction I’d had in my gut.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• ingrained
• innate
• intuitive