: a camera lens aperture setting indicated by an f-number

Examples of f-stop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Image quality remains strong through f/16, but details soften at the smallest f-stops. PCMAG, 28 Mar. 2024 That said, the narrow variable f-stop range limits its use in dim light and the autofocus system isn't consistently accurate. PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024 The lens does worse at its narrowest apertures (f/16-22), but that is true of any Micro Four Thirds lens since the sensor format is quicker to show the effects of diffraction at narrow f-stops versus full-frame. PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024 Full Auto and Program modes are available for beginners, while more advanced users can use Aperture priority to set the f-stop manually. PCMAG, 13 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'f-stop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of f-stop was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near f-stop

Cite this Entry

“F-stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/f-stop. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!