mpeg

IPA/ˈempeɡ/
KK[ˈɛmpˌɛɡ]IPA/ˈempeɡ/

mpeg — noun

1. a set of internationally agreed methods for reducing the size of video and audio

1.nounB2
Definition

a set of internationally agreed methods for reducing the size of video and audio content stored in digital form, so that files can be saved or sent more easily without a major loss of quality.

Example

The MPEG compression standard made it possible to stream high-resolution video over slow connections.

MPEG + noun as modifier: MPEG compression standard

Noor learned how to encode video using the MPEG format during her multimedia design course.

Common collocations
  • MPEG compression
  • MPEG format
  • MPEG standard
  • MPEG encoding
  • MPEG technology
Synonyms
  • video compression

    a broader term that includes MPEG and other methods

  • codec

    a piece of software that encodes or decodes a digital media stream; MPEG is one example of a codec standard

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

the MPEG [noun]

MPEG + noun (as modifier)

Usage Note

This sense is uncountable and refers to the technology standard itself, not to individual files. When used as a modifier before a noun (e.g. MPEG format, MPEG compression), it is often written in uppercase letters.

Common Mistakes

The MPEG is a type of file you can play on your phone.
An MPEG is a type of video file you can play on your phone.
Sense 1 refers to the compression method, not to the file itself. Use sense 2 for the file.

2. a digital video or audio file that has been reduced in size using the MPEG compr

2.nounB2
Definition

a digital video or audio file that has been reduced in size using the MPEG compression method, typically identified by file extensions such as .mpg or .mpeg.

Example

Vinícius emailed the MPEG of his short film to the festival selection committee.

an MPEG referring to the file itself

The old computer could not open the new MPEG file because the codec was missing.

collocation: MPEG file

Common collocations
  • MPEG file
  • MPEG video
  • MPEG clip
  • MPEG movie
  • play an MPEG
  • save as an MPEG
  • convert to MPEG
Synonyms
  • video file

    a general term for any file containing moving images; an MPEG is one type

  • digital video

    broader term that includes MPEG and other video formats such as AVI or MOV

Grammar Patterns

an MPEG

MPEG file

Usage Note

This sense is countable — you can say 'an MPEG' or 'two MPEGs'. The word is often used without the full 'file' when the context is clear: 'Send me the MPEG when it is ready.'

Common Mistakes

I downloaded an MPEG of the new song to listen on my phone.
I downloaded an MP3 of the new song to listen on my phone.
MPEG refers to video files (which may include audio); MP3 is the standard for audio-only files.

Word family

  • MPEG-2
    nounC1
  • MPEG-4
    nounC1
  • MP3
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms relate to making digital video files smaller, but they operate at different levels. 'Video compression' is the broadest concept — any method that reduces the size of video data. A 'codec' (short for coder-decoder) is the specific software or hardware that performs compression or decompression; MPEG is one well-known family of codecs. 'Encoding standard' refers to the formal technical specification (such as MPEG-2 or MPEG-4) that defines how the compression should work. In everyday use, people say 'the video is in MPEG format' to mean the file uses the MPEG compression standard, while 'codec' is used when discussing software compatibility (e.g., 'My computer is missing the codec to play this file'). If you need the broadest term, use 'video compression'; if you need the specific technology, use 'MPEG' or the exact standard name.

video compressioncodec ↗MPEG ↗encoding standard

Etymology

English

MPEG is an acronym formed from 'Moving Picture Experts Group', the name of the committee that developed the standard in 1988. The group was established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to create global standards for compressed digital video and audio.