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
2
: the treasury department of the papal curia
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Examples of camera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Netflix’s live-action One Piece is heading into its third season, and cameras are already rolling.
—
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
As that Arizona porch proved, a camera lens is a catastrophically poor substitute for a human gaze.
—Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
As reality show cameras follow her around once again for this latest phase of her career, the actress and producer has to navigate the many cultural landmines of Hollywood in 2026.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
The camera swept in and among the writhing bodies in a rollicking, kinetic performance.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for camera
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Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
As that Arizona porch proved, a camera lens is a catastrophically poor substitute for a human gaze.
—Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
As reality show cameras follow her around once again for this latest phase of her career, the actress and producer has to navigate the many cultural landmines of Hollywood in 2026.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
The camera swept in and among the writhing bodies in a rollicking, kinetic performance.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for camera
Cite this Entry
“Camera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camera. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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