off-camera

American  

[awf-kam-er-uh, -kam-ruh, of-] / ˈɔfˈkæm ər ə, -ˈkæm rə, ˈɒf- /

adjective

1. occurring as part of a film or program but outside the range of the motion-picture or television camera.

   the off-camera shouts of a mob.

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adverb

1. out of the range of a motion-picture or television camera.

   The star walked off-camera at the end of his monologue.

2. (of an actor) in one's private rather than professional life.

   Off-camera the movie star liked to cook.

Etymology

Origin of off-camera

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

“No, I think I’ll keep her,” he said, as Leavitt chittered nervously off-camera, before falling silent.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

It was a reach—“I’m never mad,” Manley said—so he asked Chalamet to berate him off-camera to get worked up for a red-faced confrontation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Two stars of the programme - real estate agents Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan - have been feuding on and off-camera over Emma's boyfriend Blake Davis, who Chrishell dislikes.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

Eastern time, following a well-crafted victory, someone off-camera told him to end the stream.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2025

Tony owes his success not only to his good looks and his acting ability, but also to his likable off-camera personality.

From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Millard, Max