panorama

American  

[pan-uh-ram-uh, -rah-muh] / ˌpæn əˈræm ə, -ˈrɑ mə /

noun

panoramas plural

1. an unobstructed and wide view of an extensive area in all directions.

   Synonyms:

   prospect, vista, scene

2. a horizontally extended visual representation providing a wide view of a landscape or other scene, in photography made by joining a series of shots or by using a wide-angle lens, and in film by pivoting the camera horizontally from a fixed place.

3. Older Use

   1. an extended pictorial representation or a cyclorama of a landscape or other scene, often exhibited one part at a time and made to pass continuously before the spectators.

   2. a building for exhibiting such a pictorial representation.

4. a continuously passing or changing scene or an unfolding of events.

   the panorama of Chinese history.

5. a comprehensive survey, as of a subject.

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panorama British  

/ ˌpænəˈræmɪk, ˌpænəˈrɑːmə /

noun

1. an extensive unbroken view, as of a landscape, in all directions

2. a wide or comprehensive survey

   a panorama of the week's events

3. a large extended picture or series of pictures of a scene, unrolled before spectators a part at a time so as to appear continuous

4. another name for cyclorama

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• panoramic
  adjective
• panoramically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• panoramas
  plural

Etymology

Origin of panorama

First recorded in 1790–1800; pan- + Greek (h)órāma “view, sight,” derivative of horân “to see, look”

Explanation

A panorama is a wide, unbroken view, or a picture of one. Pay more for your hotel room in Hawaii and you'll likely get a balcony with a picture perfect panorama of the ocean. The noun panorama was coined in 1789 by the inventor and artist Robert Barker to describe “a complete view.” These days you can click the panorama setting on your camera to capture an extra wide vista or scene. Don’t confuse panorama with diorama: They sound similar, but remember that a panorama is the view and a diorama is the viewing device.

Example Sentences

They are the latest officers to lose their jobs following evidence gathered during an undercover BBC Panorama investigation.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

Police have been contacted with new information about David Sullivan following a BBC Panorama and Times investigation into the West Ham co-owner.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

"West Ham United supporters want a club that reflects the values of decency, integrity and accountability," said the prominent Hammers United fans group in the wake of the Panorama broadcast.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Sacha Wall is the only alleged victim of Sullivan's predatory behaviour who wanted to be named by BBC Panorama and the Times alongside an account of her experience.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The long poem, "The Panorama," must be considered a failure, poetically speaking.

From John Greenleaf Whittier His Life, Genius, and Writings by Kennedy, W. Sloane