closed-circuit television

American  

noun

1. a system of televising by cable to designated viewing sets, as within a factory for monitoring production operations, in a theater for viewing a special event taking place elsewhere, or in an office building as an aid to maintaining security.

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closed-circuit television British  

noun

1. a television system in which signals are transmitted from a television camera to the receivers by cables or telephone links forming a closed circuit, as used in security systems, etc

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Etymology

Origin of closed-circuit television

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

France’s state-run Viginum agency, which tracks foreign interference, helped review closed-circuit television footage, people familiar with the situation said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Mason said authorities were reviewing closed-circuit television video.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

That material includes 1.3 million pages of unclassified documents, 5,500 pages of classified documents and 60 terabytes of closed-circuit television footage, she said.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2024

On Feb. 9, the Met said they believed Ezedi had probably “gone into the water” after piecing together closed-circuit television footage of his movements after the attack.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024

There were closed-circuit television cameras everywhere, and Sayle could see every corner of his kingdom without even leaving the room.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz