English Reference
noun · verb

photograph

n. · v.
US /ˈfoʊtəˌɡɹæf/ UK /fˈəʊtəɡɹˌæf/ pho·to·graph UK spelling photographed, photographs

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Photography

    n.a picture made by a camera.

    n.an image created by light falling on a light-sensitive surface, such as film or an electronic sensor.

    Simple

    She showed me a photograph of her family taken during their summer holiday.

    In context

    The archive contains a rare photograph of the city before the earthquake, providing invaluable evidence for the restoration project.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Photography

    v.to take a picture of someone or something using a camera.

    v.to capture an image of a subject using a camera. Transitive when specifying a subject; can be used intransitively to describe the act.

    Simple

    The tourists spent the afternoon photographing the ancient ruins.

    In context

    The wildlife biologist spent weeks in the blind, attempting to photograph the elusive snow leopard in its natural habitat.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to look a certain way when someone takes your picture.

    v.to have a specified appearance when captured in a photograph. Intransitive; usually modified by an adverb like 'well'.

    Simple

    She is very beautiful in person, but she doesn't photograph well.

    In context

    The model was famous not just for her features, but for her ability to photograph well even under the harshest studio lighting.


From photo- + -graph.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated