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
ˌsi-nə-ˌma-tə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
adjective
cinematographically
ˌsi-nə-ˌma-tə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
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.
From production design and cinematography to the evolution of genre conventions, her work often reflects a deep appreciation for the early half of last century — and an uncanny ability to trace its fingerprints across the movies being made today. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 The film screened at the Berlinale and won the Golden Biznaga for best Ibero-American film, along with Silver Biznaga honors for best director and cinematography at the Málaga International Film Festival. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 The two additional storylines will be lensed by Claro and Delhomme respectively, while Krichman’s cinematography from the original short forms the third. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 Swift is up for video and artist of the year as well as best pop, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects. — CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for cinematography

See All Rhymes for cinematography

Browse Nearby Words

cinematographist
cinematography
cinema van
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Cite this Entry

“Cinematography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˌmat-ə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
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
-ˌmat-ə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
adjective
cinematographically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cinematography (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cinematography

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cinematography

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