audiovisual

/ɑdioʊˈvɪʒuəl/

/ɔdiəʊˈvɪʒuəl/

Other forms: audiovisuals

Audiovisual things incorporate both sight and sound. Television is an audiovisual type of entertainment, unlike radio, which is only auditory, and unlike comic books, which are purely visual.

Audio means "sound" or "hearing," while visual means "sight" or "seeing." So the word audiovisual refers to things that engage both your sense of sight and your sense of hearing. The word can be an adjective as in "audiovisual material" or a noun as in "we need some audiovisuals." Education is one setting where you might encounter this word, since teachers are often very focused on making sure that their learning aids engage the senses.

Definitions of audiovisual

1. adjective

   involving both hearing and seeing (usually relating to teaching aids)
   “the school's audiovisual department”
2. noun

   materials using sight or sound to present information
   “language tapes and videocassettes and other audiovisuals”

   synonyms: audiovisual aid

   type of:

   teaching aid

   materials and equipment used in teaching