webcam
/ˈweb.kæm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A webcam is a camera that sends live video through a computer or the internet. People use it for video calls, online classes, and live streaming.
- My laptop has a built-in webcam.
- Please turn on your webcam for the meeting.
- The streamer uses a webcam every day.
Adinary Nuance
A webcam is not the same as a regular camera. It is usually used for live video on a computer, especially for calls and streaming. A camera may take photos or record higher-quality video, but a webcam is mainly for online communication. In everyday English, people often say webcam when they mean the small camera on a laptop or monitor.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- webcam
- Spanish
- cámara web
- Chinese
- 网络摄像头
- Japanese
- ウェブカメラ
- Korean
- 웹캠
Etymology
Webcam is a modern word from the late 20th century. It combines web and cam, a short form of camera.
Common phrases
built-in webcamexternal webcamwebcam settingswebcam feed
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is webcam the same as a camera?
- Not exactly. A webcam is mainly for live video on a computer or online.
- Is webcam formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in everyday and work English.
- How do I use webcam in a sentence?
- Say: 'I need to test my webcam before the interview.'
- Do people still say webcam?
- Yes. It is a common word for laptop and computer video cameras.