photo
/ˈfəʊ̯.təʊ̯/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: photos · photoing · photoed
Sense 1
NounRegister: informal
Examples
Not long ago, it was difficult to produce photographs of tiny creatures with every part in focus. That’s because the lenses that are excellent at magnifying tiny subjects produce a narrow depth of field. A photo processing technique called focus stacking has changed that.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A photo finish.
NounRegister: informal
Examples
By this stage, Goof was clearly warming to his theme and, as they flashed past the post together, he reported that it was a photo. "And I don't know or care who won the photo," he concluded.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To take a photograph of.
Verb
Examples
[1956] 1992 ed., The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter http://print.google.com/print?hl=en&id=5kjheskJwVAC&pg=PA465&lpg=PA465&sig=_CY8N5ZLStxnOIlf_CNHhhBEPjA
What fun to be photoed together, / What luck for a break so opportune. / Oh, what a lark / To be posed in the park / Underneath the adolescent cr
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “photo” mean?
A photograph.
Is “photo” formal or informal?
photo is generally informal.