medium shot

American  

noun

Movies, Television.

1. a camera shot in which the subject is in the middle distance, permitting some of the background to be seen.

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Etymology

Origin of medium shot

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

But when it’s a medium shot or close-up, you’re seeing an animatronic puppet operated by several people.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

As Wade kisses a potential love interest, episode director Steph Green momentarily cuts to a medium shot, which captures the lovers holding each other in silhouette outside a bar.

From Slate • Nov. 22, 2019

“A medium shot of a man in a desolate room; he has headphones over his ears through which comes the sound of wonderful music.”

From The New Yorker • Jan. 14, 2019

An aerial view cuts to a medium shot cuts to a close up—giving you no say in what you see.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2016

I stand a little apart so I can capture a medium shot.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed