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
see also:
Examples of camera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Then be sure to read our guide to photographing shooting stars, along with our picks of the best cameras and lenses for imaging the night sky in 2026.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
See the Polaroid camera retrofitted to eject toilet paper.
—Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
The sophisticated set by ace production designer David Gropman enables Altman’s perpetually moving and zooming camera to drift in and out of two-way mirrors that depict memories and fantasies with both immediacy and a gauzy nostalgia.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
In those policies, residents can be reminded that the cameras are not continuously monitored (if that is the case) and assured that no neighbors have access to the recordings.
—Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for camera
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Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
See the Polaroid camera retrofitted to eject toilet paper.
—Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
The sophisticated set by ace production designer David Gropman enables Altman’s perpetually moving and zooming camera to drift in and out of two-way mirrors that depict memories and fantasies with both immediacy and a gauzy nostalgia.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
In those policies, residents can be reminded that the cameras are not continuously monitored (if that is the case) and assured that no neighbors have access to the recordings.
—Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 1 May 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 2 May. 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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