panorama

noun pan·o·rama \ ˌpa-nə-ˈra-mə , -ˈrä- \

Updated on: 14 May 2018

Definition of panorama

1 a : cyclorama 1

b : a picture exhibited a part at a time by being unrolled before the spectator

2 a : an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction

provides a panorama of the entire bay

b : a comprehensive presentation of a subject

a panorama of American history

c : range

faced a panorama of problems

3 : a mental picture of a series of images or events

—

panoramic

play \ˌpa-nə-ˈra-mik, -ˈrä-\ adjective

—

panoramically

play \ˌpa-nə-ˈra-mi-k(ə-)lē, -ˈrä-\ adverb

See panorama defined for English-language learners

See panorama defined for kids

Examples of panorama in a Sentence

we admired the breathtaking panorama from the top of the mountain

Recent Examples of panorama from the Web

In his younger years, Broich was a panorama painter, then switching to portrait photography.

— jim stingl, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Stingl: Artist put 1880s coin under first Milwaukee electric streetcar — it was no good luck charm," 8 May 2018
In three words: sunsets, singles, Sangria. Glowing oversized mod lamps can’t compete with the sparkle of the surrounding skyscrapers at night, a 270-degree panorama of skyline and harbor.

— BostonGlobe.com, "5 of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Boston," 2 May 2018
Stormy is my favorite figure in the whole panorama.

— elizabeth drew, The New Republic, "Follies," 27 Apr. 2018
They're fronted with floor-to-ceiling windows; most afford guests views of either flight activity on the airfield or a panorama of the TWA Flight Center itself.

— ben mutzabaugh, USA TODAY, "Exclusive first look: Inching closer to launch, TWA Hotel unveils room design," 16 Apr. 2018
Perched at the top of the gondola above 8,000 feet, High Camp is the spot to soak in the sun on the deck looking out over perfect mountain panoramas.

— brandon perlman, Town & Country, "Yes, You Can Still Ski in Spring 2016—Here's Where the Snow Is," 8 Apr. 2016
On the last day, at the bottom of a sharp descent into the canyon, the sheer, limestone behemoth Anića Kuk filled the panorama.

— alex crevar, WSJ, "Hiking in Croatia: How to Master Some of the World’s Rarest Views," 24 Apr. 2018
The panoramas provide the perfect settings for the song, juxtaposing the isolation and smallness of the troubled narrator against big nature.

— chrissie dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Canadian singer Charlotte Cardin is more than a YouTube sensation," 19 Apr. 2018
Days later, Tamim hosted a lavish banquet for President Emmanuel Macron of France at Idam, a French restaurant on the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art that offers a shimmering panorama over the Doha skyline.

— written by declan walsh; photographs by tomas munita, New York Times, "Tiny, Wealthy Qatar Goes Its Own Way, and Pays for It," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'panorama.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of panorama

pan- + Greek hórāma "something seen, sight, spectacle," from horā-, stem of horân "to look, see" + -ma, resultative noun suffix — more at ¹ware

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1791

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

panorama Synonyms

Synonyms

command, lookout, outlook, perspective, prospect, view, vista;

Related Words

landscape, scene, scenery;

ken, sight;

visual field;

PANORAMA Defined for English Language Learners

panorama

noun

Definition of panorama for English Language Learners

: a full and wide view of something
: a way of showing or telling something that includes a lot of information and covers many topics : a thorough presentation of a subject
: a group that includes many different people or things : a wide selection