celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-yə-ˌlȯid 

1

: a tough flammable thermoplastic composed essentially of cellulose nitrate and camphor

2

old-fashioned : motion-picture film

… a work … making its third appearance on celluloid.

—John McCarten

celluloid adjective

Examples of celluloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is mainly limited to the older celluloid ping-pong balls, which were traditionally made from nitrocellulose. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026

Instead, the play is an original story set within the framework of the film series, although no actual scenes/plots/characters have made the transfer from celluloid to the live stage. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

Reaching across five hourlong episodes, Peter Hammond’s BBC miniseries diligently translates the novel to the screen, with video soundstage interiors jutting up against celluloid exteriors. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026

Like them, its rags-to-riches-to-near-ruin storytelling is simplistic, the celluloid craftsmanship B-grade, the acting nothing to write home about. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from Celluloid, a trademark

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for celluloid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• coronoid
• humanoid

Kids Definition

celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-(y)ə-ˌlȯid 

1

: a tough flammable plastic

2

: a motion-picture film

watch a western on celluloid