camera

noun

cam·​era ˈkam-rə 

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)

b

: camera obscura

2

: the treasury department of the papal curia

see also:

off camera on camera

Examples of camera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reeves announced the new opening date on Vimeo accompanied by the first camera test footage of Robert Pattinson’s return as the Dark Knight. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 15 July 2026

Batman stares intensely at the camera, and the film’s logo appears, followed by the new release date, which is set for February 18, 2028, up from its previous release date of October 1, 2027. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 15 July 2026

The same concern applies to optical surfaces, such as eyeglasses and camera lenses. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

Over a two-month period starting last August, Barragan’s report said, Flock cameras scanned more than 210 million license plates. — Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, room — more at chamber

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing camera

• body camera
• box camera
• camera lucida
• camera obscura
• camera person
• camera work
• candid camera
• catch (something) on camera
• dashboard camera
• digital camera
• doorbell camera
• gamma camera
• in camera
• off camera
• on camera
• Schmidt camera
• security camera
• streak camera
• video camera

Kids Definition

camera

noun

cam·​era ˈkam-(ə-)rə 

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