cinematography

noun

cin·​e·​ma·​tog·​ra·​phy ˌsi-nə-mə-ˈtä-grə-fē How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
: the art or science of photography in a visual medium (as for movies, television, or video games)
black-and-white cinematography
But most of the cinematography is pedestrian. Many scenes are ridiculously overlit—no doubt because Technicolor was still a glorious new gimmick in 1939.Philip Martin
… this film, directed by Cameron Crowe, has better acting, more depth, and also boasts gorgeous cinematography.Nancy Gordon
cinematographic adjective
cinematographically adverb

Examples of cinematography in a Sentence

The film's cinematography is breathtaking. Who did the cinematography for this film?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Which is too bad, because the movie’s striking futuristic aesthetic, its layered world-building, its epic, expansive cinematography are all ingredients for a great blockbuster. Travis Bean, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 In addition, Peter Straughan’s screenplay, Stéphane Fontaine’s cinematography and Nick Emerson’s editing are stellar, helping to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024 The unfolding of this deeply suspenseful story was driven by great cinematography, editing and narrative. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2024 Come for the spooky laughs, and stay for a fantastic cast, sharp and witty dialogue, and crisp black-and-white cinematography. Lee Escobedo, EW.com, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cinematography 

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cinematography was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near cinematography

Cite this Entry

“Cinematography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cinematography

noun
cin·​e·​ma·​tog·​ra·​phy ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
: the art or science of motion-picture photography
cinematographer
-fər
noun
cinematographic adjective

Medical Definition

cinematography

noun
cin·​e·​ma·​tog·​ra·​phy ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
plural cinematographies
: the art or science of motion-picture photography
X-ray fluoroscopic cinematography
cinematographic adjective
cinematographically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cinematography

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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