CAMERA Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com (original) (raw)

[kam-er-uh, kam-r_uh_] / ˈkæm ər ə, ˈkæm rə /

noun

a device for capturing a photographic image or recording a video, using film or digital memory.
(in a television transmitting apparatus) the device in which the picture to be televised is formed before it is changed into electric impulses.

idioms

on camera, being filmed or televised by a live camera.

Be sure to look alert when you are on camera.
off camera,
1. out of the range of a video camera, as a television or motion picture camera.
  
  The stunt woman was waiting just off camera for her cue to enter the scene.
2. (of an actor) in one’s private rather than professional life.
  
  The two co-stars are best friends off camera.

camera 2 American

[kam-er-_uh_] / ˈkæm ər ə /

noun

a judge's private office.

idioms

in camera,
1. Law. in the privacy of a judge's chambers.
2. privately.

camera British

/ ˈkæmrə, ˈkæmərə /

noun

an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned See also cine camera digital camera
television the equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene into the corresponding electrical signals
See camera obscura
a judge's private room
1. law relating to a hearing from which members of the public are excluded
2. in private
not within an area being filmed
(esp of an actor) being filmed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of camera1

First recorded in 1730–40; shortening of camera obscura ( def. ); 1840-45 camera 1 for def. 1; utimately from Latin camera “vaulted room, vault”; see camera 2 ( def. )

Origin of camera2

First recorded in 1630–40; for earlier sense “vaulted room,” from Latin, from Greek kamára “vault, vaulted room”; see chamber ( def. )

Explanation

A camera records images in the form of photographs, film or video. If you want evidence that you've spotted Bigfoot in the woods behind your house, you'll need a camera. The noun camera typically refers to a film or digital device that captures still pictures when you press a button. A film camera stores images on a strip of film that must be developed with special chemicals, while a digital camera keeps them on a memory card, and with the help of a computer you can see the pictures almost instantly. The original meaning of camera, "vaulted building," came from Latin via the Greek root kamera, "vaulted chamber."

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Vocabulary lists containing camera

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Stewart was initially caught on camera earlier buying two green jerry cans at a garage.

FromBBC • May 13, 2026

The clinical psychologist on mediating problems between her mother and father, her two-chapter childhood and working with patients in front of the camera.

FromThe Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

The wearable camera maker said it received inquiries related to mergers and acquisitions after it made efforts to expand into the defense and aerospace industries.

FromThe Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

The problem is putting down the camera, especially during this centennial year, when the road is dressed up with more lights, banners, murals and fresh paint than it has seen for decades.

FromLos Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Going to the camera tab, I hold it over the newspaper.

From"Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023