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

Standard sensors like cameras and lidar often fail in heavy rain, thick fog, or low light, creating dangerous blind spots. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

Plus, devices worn on the body instead of being tucked away in a pocket may be able to understand context from one’s surroundings through cameras, microphones and other sensors, providing more information to tailor answers. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026

Besides the license plate cameras, Zamora Wilson is sponsoring bills that would regulate traffic cameras, facial recognition software and drones. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026

For wide-angle landscape shots using a mirrorless or DSLR camera (preferably full-frame to capture stars around the eclipsed moon), choose a 14mm-35mm lens. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Mar. 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