photography

noun

pho·​tog·​ra·​phy fə-ˈtä-grə-fē 

: the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (such as film or an optical sensor)

Examples of photography in a Sentence

He studied both film and still photography.

Landscape photography is her hobby.

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaf-peeping and other fun fall activities With the change of seasons and fall foliage reappearing, many people enjoy scenic train rides, photography, and leaf-peeping, or going out to see the fall colors. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

Toward the end of the colonial period, portrait photography records yet another cultural shift. —H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 13 Sep. 2025

There are moments when some viewers might long for a little more detachment and aesthetic assessment, especially from the likes of photography editor Kathy Ryan of The New York Times Magazine, who is in a position to describe what’s so distinctive about Addario’s talent. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025

This year, categories were expanded to include more sub-genres of pet photography including Action, Canine Portrait, Creative, Documentary, Equine Portrait, Feline Portrait, Open Portrait and Pets and People. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing photography

• director of photography
• Kirlian photography
• trick photography

Rhymes for photography

• arthrography
• biography
• cartography
• cosmography
• cryptography
• demography
• discography
• echography
• ethnography
• filmography
• geography
• hydrography

Kids Definition

photography

noun

pho·​tog·​ra·​phy fə-ˈtäg-rə-fē 

: the art or process of making pictures by means of a camera that directs the image of an object onto a surface (as film) that is sensitive to light