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
The film, which premiered in the Venezia Spotlight section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, also scooped the prize for best cinematography, for the work of DoP Benoît Dervaux, while lead actress Lila Gueneau received a special mention from the jury for her performance.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026
Bryn Silverman produced the film and contributed additional editing and cinematography.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2026
Other nominations were for casting, cinematography and costume and production design.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
In its 98-year history, the cinematography category at the Oscars has never been won by a woman.
—Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
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Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026
Bryn Silverman produced the film and contributed additional editing and cinematography.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2026
Other nominations were for casting, cinematography and costume and production design.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
In its 98-year history, the cinematography category at the Oscars has never been won by a woman.
—Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
Cite this Entry
“Cinematography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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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