Word
paparazzi
Phoneticspa·parazzi
US/ˌpɑpɑˈɹɔˌzi/
UK/pˌɑːpəɹˈɑːtsi/
Definitions
01group of photographers
n. a group of photographers who follow celebrities to take pictures of their private lives.
n. the collective body of photographers who pursue high-profile individuals for candid, often intrusive, media content.
“The actress was surrounded by paparazzi as she tried to leave the restaurant.”
“The paparazzi swarmed the hospital entrance, hoping to capture the first exclusive image of the royal couple's newborn child.”
Usage
Usually takes a plural verb, though it is often used as a collective singular in informal speech.
Pitfall
The paparazzi was waiting outside.
The paparazzi were waiting outside.
In English, 'paparazzi' is usually treated as a plural noun, so it takes a plural verb.
Synonyms
02individual photographer
n. one photographer who follows famous people.
n. a single photographer who engages in the practice of pursuing celebrities; an alternative form of 'paparazzo'.
“A lone paparazzi waited at the airport for the singer to arrive.”
“The celebrity filed a lawsuit against a specific paparazzi who had trespassed on her private property to take photos.”
Informal
Usage
While 'paparazzo' is the technically correct singular form, 'paparazzi' is frequently used for individuals in common parlance.
Teaching tip
Advanced learners should know 'paparazzo' is the singular, but recognize that native speakers often use 'paparazzi' for both one person and a group.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The actress was 17 when it launched and the fame came with new levels of attention, including from swarms of paparazzi.” Etymology
From Italian paparazzi, plural of paparazzo.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/paparazzi