noun

photo

A photograph.

She keeps a photo of her family on her desk.

Etymology

Photo is a shortening of photograph. It retains the opening element of the longer word, whose roots describe an image recorded with light.

More examples

  • We take photos at every family reunion.
  • I need a recent photo for my passport.
  • This photo is too blurry to print.

Forms

photo · photos

Similar words

photograph
Photograph is the full form, often preferred in formal writing.
picture
Picture also covers drawings and paintings, not just photographs.
snapshot
Snapshot usually means a quick, informal photograph without careful staging.