visage

American  

[viz-ij] / ˈvɪz ɪdʒ /

noun

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

2. aspect; appearance.

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visage British  

/ ˈvɪzɪdʒ /

noun

1. face or countenance

2. appearance; aspect

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Related Words

See face.

Other Word Forms

• visaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of visage

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. )

Example Sentences

Lincoln’s visage took over the front of the coin in 1909 as the country celebrated the 100th anniversary of his birth.

From The Wall Street Journal

The boy’s face is at once peaceful and tired, his innocence shining through while the injustices of the world weigh heavy on his visage.

From The Wall Street Journal

The services of a life-preserving, ego-boosting retinue of intimidating protectors — picture dark glasses, earpiece, stern visage — were cited by more than one Harris associate, past and present, as a factor in her deliberations.

From Los Angeles Times

But Mitchell, whose bushy beard and joking personality complement a perpetually smiling visage, turned serious when explaining the end of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also deeply descriptive, with a fitting focus on the self’s visage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• countenance