panorama

American  

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

noun

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

• panoramic
  adjective
• panoramically
  adverb

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

She said providing housing isn’t enough and would support initiatives like Corazon del Valle in Panorama City, which provides wraparound services along with housing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

A Sheriff’s Office helicopter then located Bellish a short distance away near Panorama Ridge and guided deputies to his location, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

BBC Panorama has spoken to families feeling the sudden financial hit of a war 3,000 miles away, as the cost of daily life rises.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

The previous news boss, Deborah Turness, resigned in the wake of the Panorama Trump controversy.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Panorama, pan-ō-r�′ma, n. a wide or complete view: a picture giving views of objects in all directions: a picture representing a number of scenes unrolled and made to pass before the spectator.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various