aperture

noun

ap·​er·​ture ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce aperture (audio)
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 The movement is unique in that the jumping hour alternates between two apertures instead of one. Carol Bresler, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 But this time the main lens features a stepless variable aperture that automatically adjusts from f/1.63 to f/4.0 to let in the right amount of light. Julian Chokkattu Simon Hill, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 Tinkerers discovered that devices with multiple small holes, instead of a single large aperture, could utilize water, rather than air pressure, to force fluid upward. Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2024 Every so often, labradoodles, cocker spaniels, retrievers, dachshunds and their owners trotted by the aperture of the shack’s open door. Susan Dominus, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 The aperture on women’s health still isn’t wide enough for some, including Madeline Darcy, founder and managing partner of early-stage investment firm Kaya Ventures. Deb Gordon, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 By opening the aperture and seeking out talent beyond their traditional sourcing pools, AST unlocked an even greater level of customer satisfaction and achievement. Caitlyn Brazill, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The simplicity of the camera, with a pin-sized hole in a thin 24-karat gold sheet as the aperture, minimizes potential mechanical failures. The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 Mirroring former series models, the watch also features a tachymeter scale along its outer rim, as well as a date aperture at 6 o’clock. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aperture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near aperture

Cite this Entry

“Aperture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperture. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aperture

noun
ap·​er·​ture ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce aperture (audio)
-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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on aperture

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