Definition of figurative

• a. - Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.
• a. - Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
• a. - Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.
• a. - Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2.