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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Noyce, of Fairchild, went to a photography store and found a few serviceable lenses in a crate of antique movie cameras. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Its location creates one of Spain's most distinctive possibilities for eclipse photography. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026 The opening event, which included a 3,000-drone performance, wellness events such as sound healing, journal customization, aura photography and fashion sketches, was attended by global ambassador Jisoo and models Ming Xi and Stella Maxwell. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026 The Chicago Architecture Foundation emphasizes that photography will not be permitted at the Uptown during Open House Chicago. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing photography

Rhymes for photography

See All Rhymes for photography

Browse Nearby Words

photographist
photography
photogravure
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Cite this Entry

“Photography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photography. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about photography

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