# paparazzi

/ˌpɑpɑˈɹɔˌzi/ (US) · /pˌɑːpəɹˈɑːtsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paparazzi
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. group of photographers

noun · CEFR B2

a group of photographers who follow celebrities to take pictures of their private lives.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. individual photographer

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

one photographer who follows famous people.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- The actress was surrounded by paparazzi as she left the restaurant.
- The royal couple requested more privacy after being chased through the city streets by a group of aggressive paparazzi.
- The rise of social media has somewhat diminished the market for traditional paparazzi, as celebrities now curate their own public images through direct digital engagement with their followers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.