on-camera

American  

[on-kam-er-uh, -kam-ruh, awn-] / ˈɒnˈkæm ər ə, -ˈkæm rə, ˈɔn- /

adjective

1. within the range of a motion-picture or television camera; while being filmed or televised.

   on-camera blunders; The assassination happened on-camera.

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on camera Idioms  

1. Being filmed, as in When the talk-show host began, I wasn't sure if we were on camera. This usage dates from the first half of the 1900s, soon after the birth of motion-picture and television filming. The same is true of the antonym off camera, meaning “outside the view of a movie or TV camera,” as in Go ahead and scratch—we're off camera now.

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Etymology

Origin of on-camera

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Chris Kempczinski took his first on-camera bite since his burger taste test blew up, while talking with columnist Tim Higgins.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

His blend of seemingly measured medical guidance and on-camera charisma appealed to viewers who were tired of looking at egg-headed doctors, like the kind who practice real medicine off screen.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

But, as Nikita Mitchell explains, that isn't limited to big, on-camera set pieces.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

"I think she's doing a very good job," added Trump, in his first on-camera comments since the shooting on Saturday.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

“What say we give another round of applause to Cressida, her amazing team, and, of course, our on-camera talent!”

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins