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

Stop in to admire the watercolors, acrylics, photography, and jewelry—among other mediums—and see if anything catches your eye. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026

Corridors are bedecked in vivid wallpaper with oversized flora and animals, real and mythical, and the hotel’s art collection that meets your eye around every corner is a go-for-broke assemblage of everything from old-world oils to ambitious mixed media and 20th-century American photography. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

This story is part ofPublic Square, an occasional photography series highlighting how Wisconsin residents connect with their communities. —Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026

With enticing descriptions and exquisite photography, the book is perfect for travelers to leaf through for destination inspiration. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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