aperture

noun

ap·er·ture ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r

ˈa-pə-,

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

Synonyms of aperture

: an opening or open space : hole

entered the cave through a narrow aperture

: the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light

: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Harnessing his brilliant writing and cinephile’s eye, Bourdain used food as an entry point to understand people and places while widening the aperture of what should be considered great. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Another key factor was his image-making, whose aperture widened YSL’s scope beyond Slimane’s brilliant signature subcultural documentarianism to reinstate Yves Saint Laurent as the most quintessentially Parisian modern fashion house of all. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026 Extended during the renovation, the indoor pool area is paved in massive stone slabs and punctuated by a single large aperture framing the peaks beyond. — Michael James Gardner, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026 Polaroid announced a new instant camera that lets photographers get more creative and experimental with their shots than just changing the aperture or shutter speed. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aperture

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin apertūra, from apertus, past participle of aperīre "to open" + -ūra -ure — more at aperient

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of aperture was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Aperture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperture. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aperture

noun

ap·er·ture ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r

-chər

: an opening or open space : hole

: the opening in a camera lens that allows light through

: 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

: an opening or open space

: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument

aperture

noun

Synonyms of aperture

Examples of aperture in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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