aperture

noun

ap·​er·​ture ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce aperture (audio)
ˈa-pə-
-chər
-ˌtyu̇r
-ˌtu̇r
Synonyms of aperture
1
: an opening or open space : hole
entered the cave through a narrow aperture
2
a
: the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light
b
: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
c
: the diameter of the objective lens or mirror of a telescope

Examples of aperture in a Sentence

We entered the cave through a narrow aperture. The photograph was taken using a fast shutter speed and a large aperture.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Along with a 50-megapixel main camera with autofocus and a F1/8 aperture is an ultra-wide actioncam built around a 1/2-inch-type IMX586 imaging sensor. Paul Ridden may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026 Wide-angle lenses and low apertures are also ideal for shooting photos of the aurora. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 Of course, the film quickly became a conduit for Harari’s own concerns, made all the more resonant once the narrative aperture widens to reveal that its central soul-swap may be only one of many. Ben Croll, IndieWire, 15 May 2026 The front dial adjusts aperture, the left rear dial changes the shutter speed, and the right rear dial sets exposure compensation (EV). Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for aperture

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin apertūra, from apertus, past participle of aperīre "to open" + -ūra -ure — more at aperient

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aperture was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aperture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperture. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

aperture

noun
ap·​er·​ture ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce aperture (audio)
-chər
1
: an opening or open space : hole
2
a
: the opening in a camera lens that allows light through
b
: the diameter of the opening in a camera lens

Medical Definition

aperture

noun
1
: an opening or open space
2
: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument

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