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
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.
Its structure is best seen through long exposure photography, which will help reveal the dusty filaments and chaotic cosmic clouds that form the nebula. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026 Kate watched a match and met with children who are members of a creative photography program and were visiting Wimbledon to take photos of the tournament. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 2 July 2026 The irony at the heart of the shoot lies not just in the parallels between Dune and the design of Heizer’s work, but that, for most visitors, photography at City is prohibited. — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026 Bay Area News Group’s visual journalists were recognized in photography and illustration categories. — Bryce Martin, Mercury News, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of photography for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about photography

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