aperture

noun

ap·​er·​ture ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce aperture (audio)
ˈa-pə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
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
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.
The selfie camera improves year over year from 8MP to 16MP with an aperture of f/2.4. PCMAG, 30 Jan. 2025 The camera software also features a slew of tiny changes like support for a virtual aperture mode when using Expert RAW, better noise reduction, 10-bit HDR, new generative AI features, and more. Prakhar Khanna, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Widening the aperture through which leaders see growth is not simply an interesting intellectual challenge but also a practical one. Saadia Zahidi, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 The large aperture at 6 o’clock reveals the tourbillon in stunning detail with the Maltese cross bridge design in full view. Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near aperture

Cite this Entry

“Aperture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperture. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on aperture

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