What does video mean?
Video is the common English term for moving images recorded or transmitted as a continuous sequence. It may denote the visual medium itself, a particular recording or clip, or a brief film shared online. In contexts where sound also matters, the term often contrasts with audio. As a modifier, video identifies material relating to television, cinematography, or screen recordings. The verb video is especially associated with informal and everyday contexts and means to record or film something, although it is fully accepted in professional use. The word is technologically neutral but often carries a modern or digital association, since online platforms have made short videos a familiar form of communication. It is also widely used internationally, with no important regional distinction in its core meaning. The term's literal Latin ancestry—video means “I see”—gives it a memorable conceptual link to sight and visual perception.
A recording, transmission, or piece of content consisting of moving images, with or without accompanying sound.
"The video showed the glacier retreating over several summers."
As a count noun, video normally has the plural videos.
Relating to or consisting of recorded, transmitted, or displayed moving images.
"The upload was compressed, so the video quality was poor."
This is chiefly an attributive use in combinations such as video recording, video clip, and video quality.
To record or film something using a video camera or another recording device.
"Students videoed the performance and shared the recording with the class."
The verb is common in both informal and professional contexts.
The regular plural is videos, used for separate recordings or pieces of moving-image content.
"The library has hundreds of videos documenting local history."
Latin video means “I see”: a fitting name for a medium built around the moving image.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does video come from?
The English word video was formed in the 20th century from Latin videre, meaning “to see,” through the Latin form video, literally “I see.” It initially developed in connection with television and moving pictures and later acquired associations with cameras, computers, and online media. Its Latin root is shared by related English words such as vision, visible, visual, and evident.
Related word forms
How video is actually used
Video is a neutral, internationally used term. As a count noun, it regularly takes the plural videos. In attributive use it functions much like an adjective, although it is not normally gradable. As a verb, video is common in everyday and professional contexts.