camera

noun

cam·​era ˈkam-rə How to pronounce camera (audio)
ˈka-mə-rə
1
a
: a device that consists of a lightproof chamber with an aperture fitted with a lens and a shutter through which the image of an object is projected onto a surface for recording (as on a photosensitive film or an electronic sensor) or for translation into electrical impulses (as for television broadcast)
2
: the treasury department of the papal curia
Phrases
off camera
1
: while not being filmed by a television or movie camera
he's a different person off camera
2
: outside the scope of a television or movie camera
sounds of gunfire taking place off camera
on camera
1
: before a live television camera
go on camera
also : while being filmed by a television or movie camera
looked relaxed on camera
2
: within the scope of a television or movie camera
you can hear a dog but he never appears on camera

Examples of camera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Then, Allen threw up a couple of peace signs for the camera while Steinfeld smiled widely. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024 Carmichael describes the process here as an attempt at a self-Truman Show, forcing himself to tell the truth by surrounding himself with cameras. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Mar. 2024 Specialists will verify gunshot detector readings by using cameras in the area or confirming with dispatch that a related call was placed. The Arizona Republic, 26 Mar. 2024 That was apparent when some 60-75 reporters, photographers and camera operators crowded into the third-base dugout for Roberts’ pregame media availability on Sunday, a scrum so large that team officials planned to move the daily sessions to an interview room moving forward. Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 Placing the camera at bird-height was also a strategic move. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 The incident was caught on camera, and the nurse was fired from her job. Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris was captured on camera clapping to a Puerto Rican protest song during her visit to San Juan on Friday, stopping short once an aide translated what singers added to the lyrics. Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2024 In the wake of Iron Man's success, Favreau has continued to switch between roles in front of and behind the camera. Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'camera.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, room — more at chamber

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of camera was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near camera

Cite this Entry

“Camera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camera. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

camera

noun
cam·​era ˈkam-(ə-)rə How to pronounce camera (audio)
1
: a judge's private office
hearings held in camera
2
: a lightproof box fitted with a lens through which the image of an object is projected onto a surface that is sensitive to light for recording (as on film) or for converting into electrical signals (as for a live television broadcast)
Etymology

from Latin camera "room, chamber"; sense 2 from the scientific Latin phrase camera obscura, literally, "dark chamber" — related to chamber

More from Merriam-Webster on camera

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