photogenic

adjective

pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfō-tə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce photogenic (audio) -ˈjē- How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
Synonyms of photogenicnext
1
: produced or precipitated by light
photogenic dermatitis
2
: producing or generating light : phosphorescent
photogenic bacteria
3
: suitable for being photographed especially because of visual appeal
a photogenic smile
photogenically
ˌfō-tə-ˈje-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
-ˈjē-
adverb

Examples of photogenic in a Sentence

She's a very photogenic child. This is the city's most photogenic park.
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.
Back to Jake’s putt for par on the photogenic fifth hole. — John Dunlap, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 The ultra-photogenic family got together for another night at the theatre. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 The Apostle Islands are unbelievably photogenic, the geologic equivalent of Halle Berry in soft light. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 June 2026 The smaller, community-level releases happening across the city are free and accessible, but the headline events with the photogenic dense lantern displays are a different category of booking. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for photogenic

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photogenic was in 1835

Rhymes for photogenic

See All Rhymes for photogenic

Browse Nearby Words

photogene
photogenic
photogeologic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photogenic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

photogenic

adjective
pho·​to·​ge·​nic ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce photogenic (audio) -ˈjēn- How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
: suitable for being photographed : likely to photograph well
a photogenic child
photogenically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

photogenic

adjective
pho·​to·​gen·​ic ˌfōt-ə-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce photogenic (audio)
1
: produced or precipitated by light
photogenic epilepsy
photogenic dermatitis
2
: producing or generating light : phosphorescent
photogenic bacteria

More from Merriam-Webster on photogenic

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for photogenic

Nglish: Translation of photogenic for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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