cinematography
noun
cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy
ˌsi-nə-mə-ˈtä-grə-fē 
: 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
Philip Martin… this film, directed by Cameron Crowe, has better acting, more depth, and also boasts gorgeous cinematography.—Nancy Gordon
Nancy GordonExamples of cinematography in a Sentence
The film's cinematography is breathtaking.
Who did the cinematography for this film?
Recent Examples on the Web
Known for her poetic, expressive style and work celebrating the Black experience, Alicia will lead students through the various visual components that encompass a film, from cinematography to production and costume design.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
One thing that struck me about the film was the richness and naturalism to the cinematography and locations.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
The series has been revered in countless ways: for its brilliant scripting, actors and cinematography, but mostly for its gut-wrenching and eye-opening storyline.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
As William begins to communicate with Billy through the vehicle’s computer system and his insanity becomes abundantly clear, a power struggle plays out inside the car, which is reflected in the cinematography.
—Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
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Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
One thing that struck me about the film was the richness and naturalism to the cinematography and locations.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
The series has been revered in countless ways: for its brilliant scripting, actors and cinematography, but mostly for its gut-wrenching and eye-opening storyline.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
As William begins to communicate with Billy through the vehicle’s computer system and his insanity becomes abundantly clear, a power struggle plays out inside the car, which is reflected in the cinematography.
—Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
Cite this Entry
“Cinematography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cinematography
noun
cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy
ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē
: the art or science of motion-picture photography
cinematographer
noun
-fər
Medical Definition
cinematography
noun
cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy
ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē
plural cinematographies
: the art or science of motion-picture photography
X-ray fluoroscopic cinematography
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