visage

[ viz-ij ]

noun

1. the face, usually with reference to shape, features, expression, etc.; countenance.
2. aspect; appearance.

visage

/ ˈvɪzɪdʒ /

noun

1. face or countenance
2. appearance; aspect

Other Words From

• visaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of visage¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to vis “face” (from Latin vīsus “sight, appearance” ( Vulgar Latin: “face”), noun use of masculine past participle of vidēre “to see”) + -age -age. See wit ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of visage¹

C13: from Old French: aspect, from vis face, from Latin vīsus appearance, from vidēre to see

Synonym Study

See face.

Example Sentences

The image became an instant meme with people superimposing the stallion into shots from “The Shining,” “Alien 3” and any other movie where this horse’s malevolent visage actually made sense.

From Los Angeles Times

In the three films, his stout frame, bushy whiskers and weathered visage helped him embody men of authority who faced danger with reluctance, then acceptance and, finally, self-sacrificial stoicism.

From Seattle Times

In all innocence, she looked up at the awful visage of Lady Augusta.

From Literature

In each film, his stout frame, bushy whiskers and weathered visage helped him embody men of authority who faced danger with reluctance, then acceptance and, finally, self-sacrificial stoicism.

From New York Times

She also is happy with the doll’s visage.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• countenance