physiognomy
noun
phys·i·og·no·my
ˌfi-zē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē 
plural physiognomies
1
: the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance
2
: the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression
3
: external aspect
also
: inner character or quality revealed outwardly
Examples of physiognomy in a Sentence
He and his son have the same distinctive physiognomy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her husband would catch her staring clinically at his physiognomy.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024
And, of course, there was the perennial punch line of physiognomy: sight gags, sketches, and songs that depicted Jewish bodies as misshapen and absurd.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2023
Meanwhile, a younger generation has brought new shades of irony to riffs on Jewish identity and physiognomy.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2023
Eliza, who does not seem to belong there at all, is also hot — hotter than Petey’s former best friend, for even in cartoons, physiognomy is destiny.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023
The physiognomies of Sergius of Radonezh and Joseph Stalin upon its wings!
—Vladimir Sorokin, Harper's Magazine, 13 July 2022
Also, there had been slightly hazy security-cam shots of him fleeing the subway attack, and the height and physiognomy and hair all seemed to match.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
The Ichthyosaurus shares some traits with a dolphin, as both creatures have the same physiognomy and similar birthing techniques.
—Dana Givens, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2022
That Quest Pro headset has five cameras that scan a user’s physiognomy to make their avatar show their expressions in real time.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2022
Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024
And, of course, there was the perennial punch line of physiognomy: sight gags, sketches, and songs that depicted Jewish bodies as misshapen and absurd.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2023
Meanwhile, a younger generation has brought new shades of irony to riffs on Jewish identity and physiognomy.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2023
Eliza, who does not seem to belong there at all, is also hot — hotter than Petey’s former best friend, for even in cartoons, physiognomy is destiny.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023
The physiognomies of Sergius of Radonezh and Joseph Stalin upon its wings!
—Vladimir Sorokin, Harper's Magazine, 13 July 2022
Also, there had been slightly hazy security-cam shots of him fleeing the subway attack, and the height and physiognomy and hair all seemed to match.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
The Ichthyosaurus shares some traits with a dolphin, as both creatures have the same physiognomy and similar birthing techniques.
—Dana Givens, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2022
That Quest Pro headset has five cameras that scan a user’s physiognomy to make their avatar show their expressions in real time.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physiognomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near physiognomy
Cite this Entry
“Physiognomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physiognomy. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
physiognomy
noun
phys·i·og·no·my
ˌfiz-ē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē
plural physiognomies
: facial features or expression thought to reveal qualities of mind or character
Medical Definition
physiognomy
noun
phys·i·og·no·my
ˌfiz-ē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē
plural physiognomies
1
: the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance
2
: the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression
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