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.

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Etymology

Origin of wide-angle

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

How does wide-angle compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• telephoto lens vs. wide-angle

Example Sentences

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

A telephoto lens offers higher resolution, while a wide-angle lens allows a larger field of view.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2025

Think of an IndieCade happening as a showcase for what’s underground, what’s next and what’s important in interactive storytelling, a gathering that takes a wide-angle view to all things play.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2024

The researchers are now designing metalenses with complex functionalities -- such as color or wide-angle imaging -- and developing neural network methods for enhancing the imaging quality of these advanced metalenses.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

I wish I had a wide-angle lens on my phone as I try to frame the mosque with light glinting off the minarets, and take a few videos instead.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan