What does webcam mean?
A webcam is a small digital camera used to capture moving images for a computer, especially for live or recorded communication over the internet. Most webcams connect by USB or wirelessly and may include a microphone, although many modern computers and phones have built-in cameras that are also called webcams. The word is especially familiar from online meetings, video calls, livestreaming, and online tutorials. It is a standard computing term with no marked regional difference. As a noun, it may refer to the camera or to the image or live feed it provides. Used as a verb, “to webcam” means to film or transmit material with a webcam, though this form is less frequent than the noun. Its simple meaning—connecting a camera to the web for image and video communication—makes it a useful example of how new technology creates everyday vocabulary.
A digital camera that captures still or moving images, typically for recording or transmitting them over the internet.
"The laptop's built-in webcam was temporarily disabled during the exam."
The term can also refer to the image or live feed produced by such a camera.
To film, record, or broadcast someone or something using a webcam.
"The musicians webcammed their rehearsal for an online audience."
This verb form is relatively uncommon compared with the noun.
The standard plural of the noun.
"The office installed new webcams in its conference rooms."
Before cameras became standard in laptops and phones, people had to plug in a separate webcam just to show their faces online.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of webcam
Webcam is an English compound formed from web, short for the World Wide Web, and camera. The second element comes from Latin camera, meaning “chamber” or “vault,” ultimately from Greek kamara. The compound emerged as the web developed beyond text-based pages and became closely associated with the transmission of images and video.
Related word forms
How webcam is actually used
The noun is a standard computing and telecommunications term with no marked regional difference. The verb is much less common than the noun and usually implies recording or transmitting through a webcam.
Easily confused with webcam
“Web camera” is the two-word spelling of the same noun; both spellings are standard, although “webcam” is much more common.