photojournalism
Americannoun
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journalism in which photography dominates written copy, as in certain magazines.
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news photography, whether or not for primarily pictorial media, publications, or stories.
noun
Other Word Forms
- photojournalist noun
- photojournalistic adjective
Etymology
Origin of photojournalism
First recorded in 1940–45; photo- + journalism
Explanation
If you see a reporter with a camera, she probably works in the field of photojournalism, the presentation of news and current events visually, using images instead of words. The word photojournalism was coined in the mid-20th century and refers to a cross between journalism and photography. A photographer whose interest lies in reporting, telling true stories about current events by taking pictures of them, will enjoy photojournalism. While a print journalist might interview people and write a story about a war, a photojournalist will try to capture images of the war and the people and places affected by it.
Vocabulary lists containing photojournalism
Words with 15 or More Letters, List 4
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Journalism Jargon
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: photo
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The winning photo, "Separated by ICE", is a "powerful example of why independent photojournalism matters," according to Joumana El Zein Khoury, executive director of World Press Photo.
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
The Second Vatican Council, which concluded 60 years ago Dec. 8, was made to order for the lavish photojournalism of Life magazine.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025
It would seem all but impossible to sum up one of the most distinguished careers in photojournalism in only four words, but that’s just what Nick Ut does when he says, “From hell to Hollywood.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2025
Her life - and contribution to photojournalism - is being honoured with a blue plaque at the house in Munster Road, Fulham, west London, where she lived and worked, alongside her daughter Winifred.
From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024
On a dedicated website, she merged traditional photojournalism with a diary-like documentary style, incorporating photography, poetry, audio clips and music.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
