facial

1 of 2

adjective

fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the face
facial expressions
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2

noun

: a treatment to improve the condition or appearance of the facial skin

Examples of facial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Philosophy’s Purity cleanser has been rated the top hydrating facial cleanser in the U.S., according to Circana’s 2023 Circana/U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Skincare Product Layer Sales report. Charlie Carballo, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025 In her new campaign, inspired by rom-com movie trailers, Chabert plays the big-city girl who returns to her hometown and realizes the one she's been searching for has been right in front of her all along—Philosophy’s purity one-step facial cleanser. Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
On the menu are many hands-on treatments that leave guests in a heavenly state, as well as customizable Kerstin Florian facials, vibrating crystal energy therapies, and light frequency remedies. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025 During a stay, guests are welcome to kick back in the 300-square-meter spa and make use of the jacuzzi and steam room, while available treatments span from revitalizing facials to hot stone massages. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for facial 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin faciālis "face-to-face, direct," from Latin faciēs "appearance, face entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

derivative of facial entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of facial was in 1746

Dictionary Entries Near facial

Cite this Entry

“Facial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
: of or relating to the face
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
: a treatment to improve the condition of the skin of the face

Medical Definition

facial

1 of 2 adjective
fa·​cial ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce facial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the face
facial neuralgia
2
: concerned with or used in improving the appearance of the face
3
: relating to or being the buccal and labial surface of a tooth
facially adverb

facial

2 of 2 noun
1
: a treatment to improve the appearance of the face
2
: a facial part (as a nerve or artery)

Legal Definition

facial

adjective
fa·​cial
: involving or apparent from the face of something (as a statute)
facial discrimination
a facial challenge to the law
facially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on facial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!