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, co-written by Belafonte and Alexander Zeke Musca with cinematography by Angel Barroeta, wrapped principal photography in December in Los Angeles.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
Produced by Dominique Dussault and Edoyan for Nemesis Films, the Canadian production features cinematography by Etienne Roussy and editing by Omar Elhamy.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Robert Surtees was nominated for his cinematography, Peter for directing, Peter and Larry for best adapted screenplay, and the movie itself for best picture.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
The cinematography drains vitality from even its most visually obvious ideas with lighting that blunts the impact of nearly every other department.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
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Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
Produced by Dominique Dussault and Edoyan for Nemesis Films, the Canadian production features cinematography by Etienne Roussy and editing by Omar Elhamy.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Robert Surtees was nominated for his cinematography, Peter for directing, Peter and Larry for best adapted screenplay, and the movie itself for best picture.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
The cinematography drains vitality from even its most visually obvious ideas with lighting that blunts the impact of nearly every other department.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 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 31 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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