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• on-camera
  on-camera

  adjective

  within the range of a motion-picture or television camera; while being filmed or televised.
• on camera
  on camera

  Being filmed, as in When the talk-show host began, I wasn't sure if we were on camera. This usage dates from the first half of the 1900s, soon after the birth of motion-picture and television filming. The same is true of the antonym off camera, meaning “outside the view of a movie or TV camera,” as in Go ahead and scratch—we're off camera now.

on-camera

American  

[on-kam-er-uh, -kam-ruh, awn-] / ˈɒnˈkæm ər ə, -ˈkæm rə, ˈɔn- /

adjective

1. within the range of a motion-picture or television camera; while being filmed or televised.

   on-camera blunders; The assassination happened on-camera.

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on camera Idioms  

1. Being filmed, as in When the talk-show host began, I wasn't sure if we were on camera. This usage dates from the first half of the 1900s, soon after the birth of motion-picture and television filming. The same is true of the antonym off camera, meaning “outside the view of a movie or TV camera,” as in Go ahead and scratch—we're off camera now.

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Etymology

Origin of on-camera

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on-camera on camera

His usual on-camera affect was that of a dapper, pleasant, reasonably handsome young man who invariably finds himself in trouble.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Unlike the first film, where a smaller budget and the fear of incurring Anna Wintour’s wrath kept many fashion figures from appearing on-camera, the sequel goes all-out.

From Salon ● May 1, 2026

Watch as McDonald’s chief takes his first on-camera bite since going viral.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 2026

But, as Nikita Mitchell explains, that isn't limited to big, on-camera set pieces.

From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2026

“Bad move on my part. By contract, Richard has final say on all on-camera promotions. I’m pretty certain I’ll be looking for another job as soon as Emily blows herself out.”

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith

Orton: I’ve done a lot of documentaries with people who learn hard things or process hard things on camera, and it can get sticky.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

He has enjoyed huge success and is a leader who thrives on human contact, is relaxed on camera and who has extensive experience in different jobs and a strong set of his own beliefs.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

Following discussions with the athletes the EBU has produced a 'do's and don'ts' on camera angles.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

She was caught on camera saying she and the U.S. president had never stopped being friends.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

As I started to turn away, he asked if he could interview me on camera about my going to America.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau