photography

noun

pho·​tog·​ra·​phy fə-ˈtä-grə-fē How to pronounce photography (audio)
: 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
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Here, there are floral paintings by Zimbabwean artist Tafadzwa Tega, street fashion photography by South African Nontsikelelo Veleko, and dreamlike suburbia scenes by Kate Gottgens, also from South Africa. Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025 The rule forbids any sort of photography or broadcasting equipment from entering the courtroom. Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 May 2025 Build a Balanced Challenge List Combine light physical activity with creative puzzles, cannabis trivia, or artistic tasks (e.g., joint art or bud photography). Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 15 May 2025 Meaning, there were nerves, particularly on the first day of principal photography, but del Toro was supportive. EW.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for photography

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photography was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Photography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photography. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

photography

noun
pho·​tog·​ra·​phy fə-ˈtäg-rə-fē How to pronounce photography (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on photography

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