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Definition of photobomb

photobomb

/ˈfoʊtoʊˌbɑːm/
pho · to · bomb
Plural:photobombs
•
Past Simple:photobombed
•
Past Participle:photobombed
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Present Participle:photobombing
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photobomb Lexical Profile

photobomb Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To spoil or intrude upon a photograph by unexpectedly appearing in the camera's field of view as the picture is taken, typically as a practical joke.

Example

"A playful dolphin jumped out of the water just in time to photobomb the tourists' beach picture."

• noun

1

A photograph that has been unexpectedly intruded upon by a person or animal appearing in the camera's field of view as the picture was taken, or the act of making such an intrusion.

Example

"The golden retriever's accidental photobomb made the family portrait much more memorable."

• Nearby Words

photinia
photo
photoblog
photobomb
photobomber
photocall
photocard

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 2000s as a compound of 'photo' (short for photograph) and 'bomb' (used figuratively to suggest a sudden, unexpected intrusion), gaining widespread popularity alongside smartphones and social media.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Photobomb. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/photobomb
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