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

In a phone interview with an MS NOW reporter, the president said he didn’t “know anything about” the first lady’s on-camera statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Chris Kempczinski took his first on-camera bite since his burger taste test blew up, while talking with columnist Tim Higgins.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Supporters of Kelly argued she was just speaking from personal experience in television news, where producers and anchors often discuss on-camera presence.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

Mum Vicki said she was "so proud" of her son, who worked "really hard" on-camera and behind the scenes.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

“What say we give another round of applause to Cressida, her amazing team, and, of course, our on-camera talent!”

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins