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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Apple says the entry-level of RAM on the iMac has been doubled from 8GB to 16GB, and the front-facing camera, called the Center Stage camera, has been improved. David Phelan, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 In front of the camera, Gascón twirls in a silky, black, Lanvin gown. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 Using a variety of vintage 35mm cameras, the journey was captured by photographer, musician and friend, Bill Patrick. Danny Klein, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024 There’s only so much that Apple can physically do to improve the iPhone’s camera or adjust its screen size, and software updates that many consumers already feel iffy about are likely a harder sell. Andrew Torgan, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for camera 

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 7 Nov. 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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