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

As a result, the camera is usually pointed at Ariana, whose cup runneth over with story lines. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

Engineers have turned them into cyborgs by attaching tiny electronic systems and cameras for remote control to their backs. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

But a security program will also include such physical elements as alarm systems, cameras and fences, maybe even drones or armored windows in a home. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

What was the appeal of using this video game format instead of being in front of the camera? — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 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