: of, relating to, or constituting a motion picture made so that when projected a slow action (such as the opening of a flower bud) appears to be speeded up

Examples of time-lapse in a Sentence

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.
Rubin Observatory’s 10-year main mission will provide a sort of time-lapse movie of the cosmos that will show other observatories where to look for new discoveries. Rebecca Boyle, Scientific American, 12 June 2025 Kim's time-lapse ends as the station passes back into the day-side of our planet, with its solar panels basking in direct sunlight. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 June 2025 At one point, before the production got approval to use film, Gagné even borrowed a Bolex from a gaffer and bought film herself in order to shoot a time-lapse of the nature around the house. Abigail Lee, Variety, 11 June 2025 Action cameras and trail cameras are usually more affordable time-lapse options than fancy DSLR camera equipment, though those can also create time-lapses. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-lapse

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of time-lapse was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Time-lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time-lapse. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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