variants
or less commonly cut-scene
or cut scene
plural cutscenes also cut-scenes or cut scenes
: a noninteractive video sequence that occurs between segments of a video game and depicts part of the game's background or storyline
Extra bits of story are delivered every two or three levels, each cutscene lasting just a few seconds and providing a further, fleeting glance at the bizarre roster of characters.—Joe Martin
Excellent cinematic cutscenes are dotted throughout the game, with rebel communications and face-to-face talks giving you hints on your progress.—Matthew Horan
Ninja Gaiden is also notable for being one of the first action games to have cutscenes between levels.—Chris Reed
You won't encounter an explicitly relayed narrative—there are no cut-scenes or dialog text; instead, the story is uncovered through the game's lo-fi and maquette-like environments, each filled with sad, funny, and poignant details.—Lewis Gordon
Cite this Entry
“Cutscene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutscene. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.
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