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

But his cartoons, and some early stabs at photography, were not enough to get him into a local art school. —Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026

His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026

The film, co-written by Belafonte and Alexander Zeke Musca with cinematography by Angel Barroeta, wrapped principal photography in December in Los Angeles. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026

Ancient Egyptian lore mixes with the history of photography, ancient ceramics, Philippine textiles and contemporary enamels. —Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 26 Mar. 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