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.
The movie is also nominated for best director, best supporting actor (Pearce), best supporting actress (Felicity Jones), best original screenplay, best original score, best production design, best cinematography and best film editing. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 The cinematography, led by Bryan Gavigan, production design by Stephen Campbell and costuming by Emma Fryer, place viewers squarely into 1950s London. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 The Brutalist also received the BAFTAs for best cinematography and score. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025 Carolina Costa’s cinematography captures time and place with purity and authenticity. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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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