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.
Golden has since turned her passion for photography into a professional career and now lives in Texas. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 For nearly a decade, Manju Journal has been establishing a vital digital archive and storytelling platform celebrating contemporary African art, fashion, photography, and the creatives shaping its future. — Emi Eleode, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026 News of Legend’s arrival in the cast of The Road Home, follows hot on the heels of the release of the first image of Rametsi as Masakela earlier this week, as principal photography gets underway in South Africa. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 July 2026 Directed by Parker Schmidt, with still photography by Joanna Wzorek, the campaign follows Obiri during her daily training routes in Boulder, Colo at the On Athletics Club (OAC). — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 30 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 3 Aug. 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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