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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The stylish Keaton — known for her trousers, turtlenecks, boots, big belts and bigger hats — also was a committed preservationist whose writing and photography led to memoirs and photo books about California architecture. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025 Beyond the screen, Keaton was a trailblazer whose influence extended into fashion, photography and architecture. Kim Hubbard, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 The festival also spotlights the next generation of homegrown talent through initiatives like FANN, Sharjah’s youth media academy dedicated to nurturing young creators across film, photography and digital arts. Essie Assibu, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025 The collection combines denim with laser, hand-painting, marbling, photography and more. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photography. Accessed 17 Oct. 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

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!