# vector image

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vector-image
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a type of digital picture that stays sharp and clear even when you make it much larger. It uses mathematical paths instead of tiny dots to create shapes and lines.

For teachers: a digital graphic composed of paths defined by mathematical equations rather than a fixed grid of pixels. This allows for infinite scalability without loss of resolution or clarity.

## Examples

- The designer created the company logo as a vector image.
- Because the billboard required such a large print, the marketing team requested the original vector image to avoid any blurriness.
- Unlike raster files which suffer from pixelation when enlarged, a vector image maintains crisp geometric edges because the software recalculates the mathematical coordinates at any scale.

## Usage notes

- Often contrasted with 'raster image' or 'bitmap'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.