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

Look for Mediterranean diet books with plenty of gorgeous, high-resolution food photography. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Josh’s photography has also been shown in galleries around the world. — Josh Penn Soskin, Variety, 16 July 2026

The distinctive photography sets it apart cinematically from other films in this genre — just like Margarita herself, who visually stands out from the other girls. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Family Photographs Decades ago, photography meant either going to a professional or taking your chances with a roll of film. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 July 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