1. the act of searching for gold in a pan
2. a horizontal camera movement
Usage: film/photography

1. searching for gold by washing gravel or sand in a pan
2. moving a camera horizontally to follow action or show a wide view
Usage: film/photography
3. criticizing harshly, especially a performance or work
Usage: informal

Examples

• The prospectors spent hours panning for gold in the stream.
• The camera operator was panning across the landscape to capture the sunset.
• The critics were panning the new movie for its poor acting.
• Gold panning requires patience and the right equipment.
• The director called for a slow panning shot of the crowd.
• After panning the restaurant, the food critic received angry letters.
• They tried panning in several different creeks without success.
• The smooth panning movement revealed the entire battlefield.