lifecast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Informal
Quick answer
What does “lifecast” mean?
A casting process to create a detailed, life-sized three-dimensional copy of a living person's body part or face, or to broadcast one's life in real-time over the internet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A casting process to create a detailed, life-sized three-dimensional copy of a living person's body part or face, or to broadcast one's life in real-time over the internet.
1. (Noun) A physical sculpture, typically made of plaster or resin, resulting from the casting process. 2. (Verb/gerund) The act of continuously streaming or documenting one's daily activities online, often for an audience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, with the technical meaning more established in both regions. The digital streaming meaning is global internet slang.
Connotations
The sculptural term is neutral/technical. The streaming term can have connotations of oversharing, narcissism, or avant-garde digital performance.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. The sculptural term may be slightly more recognized in the UK due to stronger traditional arts terminology, while the digital term is equally niche.
Grammar
How to Use “lifecast” in a Sentence
to lifecast [something] (e.g., one's face)to lifecast [for duration] (e.g., for 24 hours)a lifecast of [body part/person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lifecast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to lifecast his entire wedding day for his subscribers.
- The museum will lifecast the performer's face for the new exhibition.
American English
- She's planning to lifecast her cross-country road trip.
- The studio lifecasted the actor's torso for the prosthetic suit.
adverb
British English
- He streamed lifecast for 48 hours straight.
American English
- She broadcasts lifecast, engaging with viewers in real time.
adjective
British English
- The lifecast footage was archived for a documentary.
- It was a fascinating lifecast experiment.
American English
- The lifecast session took over three hours.
- She reviewed the lifecast data from the previous week.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of prop-making, special effects studios, or experimental marketing.
Academic
Used in fine arts, sculpture, and media studies papers discussing either casting techniques or digital culture.
Everyday
Very rare. Likely only among hobbyists in special effects or extreme internet users.
Technical
Primary context. Used in film/theatre SFX workshops for the sculptural meaning; in digital media for the streaming meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lifecast”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lifecast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lifecast”
- Confusing it with 'lifespan' or 'forecast'. Using it as a common term for any video blog. Misspelling as 'life cast' (two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as one word (lifecast), though occasional hyphenated use (life-cast) may be seen, especially for the sculptural term.
A lifecast is made from a living subject, often of any body part. A death mask is a cast made specifically of a person's face after they have died.
The sculptural process requires care, as materials can generate heat or stick to skin and hair. It must be done by a trained professional using safe, approved materials. The digital process carries psychological and privacy risks.
Yes. As a noun: 'They displayed the lifecast in the gallery.' As a verb: 'He plans to lifecast the entire event.'
A casting process to create a detailed, life-sized three-dimensional copy of a living person's body part or face, or to broadcast one's life in real-time over the internet.
Lifecast is usually technical/informal in register.
Lifecast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪfkɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪfkæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None established for this specific term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LIFE' copied or broadcast via a 'CAST' (like a plaster cast or a broadcast).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A TANGIBLE OBJECT (for sculpture); LIFE IS A CONTINUOUS BROADCAST (for streaming).
Practice
Quiz
In the context of digital media, what does 'to lifecast' primarily mean?