Definition of zoom

Short definition: The word zoom means to move very quickly or suddenly from one place to another, or to make something appear closer by enlarging it on a screen or camera, often used in both daily speech and digital activities.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word zoom? The word zoom is often connected with speed, focus, and movement. Sometimes it means moving very fast, sometimes it means looking closer at something, and in modern life it can even mean having an online meeting. From cameras and smartphones to cars and video calls, zoom is a word that fits perfectly with how fast and digital our world has become. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way, with examples that sound natural instead of stiff like a textbook.

Verb forms: zoom, zooms, zooming, zoomed
Noun forms: zoom, zooms
Related: zoom-in v., zoom-out v., zoomable adj.
Syllable: zoom

1. To move very fast, especially suddenly.

   In this sense, zoom is all about speed. It describes quick movement that feels almost exciting or surprising, like when a car suddenly accelerates or a child runs past you in a flash. The word often carries energy and a sense of motion that you can almost feel.

   The motorcycle zoomed past us on the highway, disappearing so quickly that we barely had time to react.
   The kids zoomed across the playground, laughing loudly as they chased each other.
   As soon as the bell rang, students zoomed out of the classroom, eager to enjoy their break.

   Synonyms: rush, speed, dash, race, fly, bolt, hurry past, streak by, tear along, shoot forward, move fast, zip by
   Antonyms: crawl, walk slowly, move gently, stroll, linger, slow down, creep, plod, take your time, move carefully, go slowly, ease along

2. To make something look closer or farther away, especially with a camera or phone.

   In daily life, zoom is very common when using cameras or smartphones. It means changing how close something looks on the screen, so you can see small details without actually moving your body. This kind of zoom helps people capture moments, notice things they might miss, and tell stories through images.

   She used her phone to zoom in on the bird in the tree, surprised by how clearly she could see its feathers.
   The photographer zoomed out to include the whole family in the picture, making sure no one was left out of the moment.
   He kept zooming in on the map, trying to find the smallest street near his hotel.

   Synonyms: magnify, enlarge, bring closer, focus in, move closer visually, adjust view, blow up, scale up, tighten the view, focus on, bring into view, sharpen focus
   Antonyms: shrink, reduce view, pull back, move farther away, zoom out, minimize, step back visually, widen the view, make smaller, defocus, blur out, step away

3. (Noun) A fast movement or sudden burst of speed.

   As a noun, zoom describes the feeling of quick motion itself. It can be the sound of something rushing by, or the moment when everything seems to move in a flash. People often use it playfully to describe energetic action.

   With one quick zoom, the car disappeared around the corner.
   The children love the zoom of the roller coaster, even though it makes their hearts beat faster.
   He made a “zoom” sound with his mouth, pretending his toy plane was flying across the room.

   Synonyms: burst of speed, quick dash, fast movement, sudden rush, rapid motion, swift action, speedy moment, quick surge, fast pass, energetic move, rapid burst, flash of speed
   Antonyms: slow motion, gentle movement, pause, stillness, calm action, slow pace, quiet moment, delay, standstill, steady movement, no rush, relaxed pace

4. To join or hold a meeting online using video.

   In modern life, zoom has also become a verb people use when talking about online meetings. It comes from the popular video-call app, but now many people use the word to mean any kind of video meeting. This sense shows how language changes with technology.

   We zoomed with our colleagues this morning, since everyone was working from home.
   Sarah zoomed her parents every weekend, so she could still feel close to them even from far away.
   The teacher decided to zoom the class, instead of canceling the lesson because of bad weather.

   Synonyms: video call, meet online, join a virtual meeting, connect by video, have an online chat, do a video conference, meet digitally, talk on screen, attend remotely, connect virtually, hold a video meeting, meet online
   Antonyms: meet in person, gather physically, have a face-to-face meeting, meet offline, talk in real life, see each other directly, meet at the office, gather together, meet on site, attend physically, meet in the same room, talk in person

5. A feeling of excitement or energy in an activity.

   Sometimes zoom is used in a more emotional way to describe the lively feeling of doing something fun or exciting. It suggests energy, enthusiasm, and that sense of being fully awake and engaged.

   The new project gave the team a real zoom, making everyone feel motivated again.
   After a good workout, she felt a zoom of energy, as if she could do anything.
   The kids always get a zoom from playing outside, running around until they are tired but happy.

   Synonyms: boost, burst of energy, excitement, motivation, spark, lift, rush of enthusiasm, energy kick, lively feeling, fresh drive, power surge, sudden motivation
   Antonyms: tiredness, boredom, lack of energy, fatigue, dull feeling, exhaustion, low spirit, burnout, laziness, no motivation, drained feeling, sluggishness