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Definition of photograph
photograph
/ˈfoʊ.tə.ɡræf/
pho · to · graph
Adverb:photographically
•Plural:photographs
•Adjective:photographic
•Past Simple:photographed
•Past Participle:photographed
•Present Participle:photographing
photograph Lexical Profile
CEFR
A2
Grade
3
Tier
1
Usage
Top 5k
photograph Game Scores & Validity
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Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A picture made using a camera, in which an image is focused onto light-sensitive material or captured digitally.
Example
"She framed the vintage photograph of her grandparents and placed it on the mantelpiece."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for photograph• verb
1
To take a picture of a person, object, or scene using a camera.
Example
"The wildlife biologist waited for hours to photograph the rare snow leopard in its natural habitat."
2
To appear a certain way when one's image is captured by a camera.
Example
"Despite his rugged appearance in person, he photographs exceptionally well in studio lighting."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for photograph• Rhymes for photograph
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1839 by Sir John Herschel from the Greek words 'phōs' (light) and 'graphé' (drawing, writing), literally meaning 'drawing with light'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Photograph. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/photograph