paparazzo

noun

pa·​pa·​raz·​zo ˌpä-pə-ˈrät-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce paparazzo (audio)
plural paparazzi ˌpä-pə-ˈrät-(ˌ)sē How to pronounce paparazzo (audio)
Synonyms of paparazzonext
: a freelance photographer who aggressively pursues celebrities for the purpose of taking candid photographs
a movie star surrounded by a swarm of paparazzi

Examples of paparazzo 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.
At the airport on her way to his funeral, Bridgers was assailed by mobs of fans and paparazzi. — Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 5 June 2026 But the boulevard today just seemed emptier, not a paparazzo in sight. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 The text was in reference to the viral clip in which Justin confronted a paparazzo who was taking photos of him. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 Although this is billed as a perfect place to shy away from paparazzi, some guests can’t resist flaunting their lifestyles (and abs) on Instagram. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paparazzo

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Paparazzo, surname of such a photographer in the film La dolce vita (1959) by Federico Fellini

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paparazzo was in 1961

Rhymes for paparazzo

See All Rhymes for paparazzo

Browse Nearby Words

Papanicolaou test
paparazzo
paparchical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paparazzo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paparazzo. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paparazzo

noun
pa·​pa·​raz·​zo ˌpä-pə-ˈrät-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce paparazzo (audio)
plural paparazzi ˌpä-pə-ˈrät-(ˌ)sē How to pronounce paparazzo (audio)
: a freelance photographer who aggressively pursues celebrities for the purpose of taking candid photographs

More from Merriam-Webster on paparazzo

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for paparazzo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paparazzo

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