Definition & Meaning of "bokeh"

What is "bokeh"?

Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. It describes how the background and other parts of the image that are not in sharp focus appear, usually as soft, blurred shapes. The look of the bokeh is influenced by the lens's design and aperture settings, and it can add a pleasing or artistic effect to a photo. Bokeh is often used to highlight the subject by creating a visually appealing contrast with a softly blurred background.