1 C1 idiomatic formal
To reduce the aperture of a camera lens to increase depth of field and reduce light intake.
"Stop down to f/11 if you want the background to be sharp as well."
inseparable
stop down
C1 formal inseparable transitive/intransitive
In photography, to reduce the aperture of a camera lens to a smaller opening, increasing depth of field.
In plain English
In photography, to make the hole in the camera lens smaller so more of the photo is in focus.
What does "stop down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily a technical photography term. 'Stopping down' increases depth of field and reduces the amount of light entering the lens, requiring a longer exposure. The opposite is 'open up.' Not used outside photography contexts.
Words that pair with "stop down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
aperture lens f-stop depth of field exposure diaphragm
How to conjugate "stop down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stop down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stops down
he/she/it
Past simple
stoped down
yesterday
Past participle
stoped down
have + pp
-ing form
stoping down
continuous
Hear "stop down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stop down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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