shadow play

noun

: a drama exhibited by throwing shadows of puppets or actors on a screen

called also shadow show

Examples of shadow play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Among the motifs that have informed her work are shadow play, Cantonese opera, and the décor of Western Chinese restaurants. News Desk, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2025 At night, its luminous structure will create suggestive shadow plays on the walls of the courtyard. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Mar. 2025 The earlier film showcases Murnau’s already fluid camerawork, particularly his command of shadow play and low angles that made the 6-foot-3 Schreck seem like a force of otherworldly evil. Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Natural light and its emotive shadow play, and honest interior compositions. Ad Editors, Architectural Digest, 12 July 2021 See All Example Sentences for shadow play

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shadow play was circa 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Shadow play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadow%20play. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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