noun Uncommon

aperture

AP-uh-chuh

Aperture (noun) means a small opening, gap, or hole, especially one that lets light or something else pass through. Example: “Light streamed through a narrow aperture in the cave wall.”

noun

A small opening, gap, or hole, especially one that lets light or something else pass through.

"Light streamed through a narrow aperture in the cave wall."

"Adjust the camera's aperture to control how much light hits the sensor."

How to use aperture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gap or opening — in everyday use often the adjustable hole in a camera lens that lets light in.

Common pairings

wide aperture narrow aperture aperture setting

Word forms

apertures plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Light streamed through a narrow _____ in the cave wall.

Etymology

From Latin apertura, "an opening," from aperire, "to uncover or lay bare."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for aperture

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

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Frequently asked questions

What does “aperture” mean?

The word “aperture” means a small opening, gap, or hole, especially one that lets light or something else pass through. In plain terms, a gap or opening — in everyday use often the adjustable hole in a camera lens that lets light in.

How do you pronounce “aperture”?

“Aperture” is pronounced AP-uh-chuh (/ˈæp.ɚˌt͡ʃʊɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “aperture” in a sentence?

Here is “aperture” used in a sentence: “Light streamed through a narrow aperture in the cave wall.”

What part of speech is “aperture”?

“Aperture” is a noun.

Where does the word “aperture” come from?

The word “aperture” comes from Latin. From Latin apertura, "an opening," from aperire, "to uncover or lay bare.".

Is “aperture” a common word?

“Aperture” is an uncommon word in modern English.