VocabDictionary

photo

/ˈfoʊ.toʊ/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A picture or image recorded by a camera, either on light-sensitive film or stored digitally.

Example Sentences:
  • She took a stunning photo of the sunset over the ocean.
  • He kept a photo of his family in his wallet.
2.verb

To take a photograph of someone or something.

Example Sentences:
  • She spent the afternoon photoing the rare birds in the forest.
  • The tourists were busy photoing every monument they passed.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “photo”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

A clipping of the word 'photograph', which was first recorded in 1860. The term 'photograph' itself was constructed from the Greek words 'phōs' (genitive 'phōtos'), meaning 'light', and 'graphē', meaning 'drawing' or 'writing'. Thus, the literal meaning of a photo is a 'drawing made with light'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'photons' (particles of light) being captured by a camera to create a 'photo'.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “photo

1. What is the meaning of “photo” in English?

In English, photo (noun) is defined as: “A picture or image recorded by a camera, either on light-sensitive film or stored digitally.”.

2. How do you use “photo” in a sentence?

She took a stunning photo of the sunset over the ocean.

3. What are English synonyms of “photo”?

Common synonyms include:photograph,picture,snapshot,image,shot

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “photo”?

A clipping of the word 'photograph', which was first recorded in 1860. The term 'photograph' itself was constructed from the Greek words 'phōs' (genitive 'phōtos'), meaning 'light', and 'graphē', meaning 'drawing' or 'writing'. Thus, the literal meaning of a photo is a 'drawing made with light'.