Time-lapse

//ˈtaɪmˌlæps// adj, noun

adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A film or video using this technique.
Adjective
  1. 1
    Of or relating to a technique in which exposures are taken at fewer intervals than usual so that, on playback, a naturally slow process may be viewed at an accelerated pace. not-comparable

    "Operation London Bridge, also from 1975, tells the story of the busy station's redevelopment. Cutting neatly from the barrow boys of Borough Market to an aerial view of Borough Market Junction, the film uses time lapse photography to show the congestion rife in the area during the morning rush hour."

Example

More examples

"Schwartzberg is known for his dazzling time-lapse nature photography."

Etymology

From time + lapse.

Related phrases

time-lapse cinematographytime-lapse cinemicrographytime-lapse microscopytime-lapse phonographytime-lapse photographytime-lapse seismic data

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.