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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The doc covers Coppola’s 238 days of principle photography, adding a series of private conversations that Eleanor recorded for her diary. Armond White, National Review, 4 July 2025 Powwows are often open to the public, though non-Native attendees should follow guidelines for behavior, photography and other ways to show respect. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 4 July 2025 Check out free art exhibitions and programs at this one-of-a-kind street festival, featuring programs for all art forms, including mixed media, sculpture, digital art, photography, and crafts such as ceramics and jewelry making. AFAR Media, 3 July 2025 For example, southern states like Tennessee can enjoy prime views from March through September, according to the Milky Way photography website Capture the Atlas. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 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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