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wide-angle

American  
[wahyd-ang-guhl] / ˈwaɪdˈæŋ gəl /

adjective

Photography.
  1. of or relating to a lens having a relatively wide angle of view, generally 45° or more, and a focal length of less than 50 millimeters.

  2. employing, or made with, a wide-angle lens.

    a wide-angle camera; a wide-angle shot.


Etymology

Origin of wide-angle

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

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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.

See Examples For:

Looking at my computer, I find myself lingering over a beautiful wide-angle photo of a mountain peak: giant slabs of sharp rock, brushed with snow and bathed in sunlight.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 1, 2026

"Our approach is like taking a wide-angle camera inside the ballroom. Now we can see how the dancers are pairing up and paying attention to one another, so they don't bump into each other."

From Science Daily Apr. 27, 2026

An easy-to-use app lets them schedule meals multiple times a day and check in on their furbaby with the click of a button, thanks to a built-in 1080p camera with a 145° wide-angle lens.

From Salon Nov. 20, 2025

There’s a wide-angle shot of a nightclub where Condon gives her and a dozen background performers a full, uncut minute to twirl.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 9, 2025

The security camera swung away again and he darted forward, keeping well clear of the wide-angle lens.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

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