aperture
noun
ap·er·ture
ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r 
ˈa-pə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
: an opening or open space : hole
entered the cave through a narrow aperture
2
a
: the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light
b
: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
c
: the diameter of the objective lens or mirror of a telescope
Examples of aperture in a Sentence
We entered the cave through a narrow aperture.
The photograph was taken using a fast shutter speed and a large aperture.
Recent Examples on the Web
Momentum breeds momentum: each successful float provides price discovery that the next issuer can cite, widening the aperture a little more.
—
Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Functionality: Focal range and fast maximum aperture aside, the 8-16mm features a manual aperture ring like many Fujifilm lenses.
—James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025
The phone has a 13MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture that can capture macro images.
—PC Magazine, 18 May 2025
With that opposition in mind, bill sponsor Sen. Robert Rodriguez unveiled amendments to expand the proposal’s aperture before the vote Tuesday.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aperture
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Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Functionality: Focal range and fast maximum aperture aside, the 8-16mm features a manual aperture ring like many Fujifilm lenses.
—James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025
The phone has a 13MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture that can capture macro images.
—PC Magazine, 18 May 2025
With that opposition in mind, bill sponsor Sen. Robert Rodriguez unveiled amendments to expand the proposal’s aperture before the vote Tuesday.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aperture
Cite this Entry
“Aperture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperture. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aperture
noun
ap·er·ture
ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
1
: an opening or open space : hole
2
a
: the opening in a camera lens that allows light through
b
: the diameter of the opening in a camera lens
Medical Definition
aperture
noun
ap·er·ture
ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
1
: an opening or open space
2
: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
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