bokeh

noun

bo·​keh ˈbō-kā How to pronounce bokeh (audio)
-kə
: the blurred quality or effect seen in the out-of-focus portion of a photograph taken with a narrow depth of field
Good bokeh is smooth and pleasing, whereas bad bokeh produces a jagged and discordant effect. … The quality of bokeh is largely dependent on the construction of the lens. For this reason, lenses that provide high-quality bokeh are prized.— Harold Davis

Examples of bokeh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The larger sensor allows more light intake, and natural bokeh. — Ben Sin, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Software tools include a Master Portrait mode for creating eye-pleasing bokeh and several specialized shooting modes, such as Pro, for fully controlling the camera's settings, such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. — Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 2 Mar. 2025 Having such a large telephoto sensor allows the camera to produce natural bokeh and capture more details and dynamic range. — Ben Sin, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Selfies snapped with the Reno 13 Pro are sharper and more detailed than most other selfie cameras, with even a bit of natural bokeh due to the fast-ish aperture. — Ben Sin, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bokeh

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese boke "blur, haziness"

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bokeh was in 1997

Rhymes for bokeh

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Cite this Entry

“Bokeh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bokeh. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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