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
His color choices in the film’s emotional climax are the subtle, purposeful craft work that the cinematography branch voters live for.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
Bartolomé invites viewers into the landscape of Beirut shattered by the 2020 chemical explosion that killed over 200 people and caused billions of dollars in damage, her approach notable for its evocative cinematography and use of quasi-fictional elements.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Now, The Comeback’s cinematography is unmoored.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
The film, which had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and won best cinematography, best new director and the jury award, will be released digitally in August.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
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Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
Bartolomé invites viewers into the landscape of Beirut shattered by the 2020 chemical explosion that killed over 200 people and caused billions of dollars in damage, her approach notable for its evocative cinematography and use of quasi-fictional elements.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Now, The Comeback’s cinematography is unmoored.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
The film, which had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and won best cinematography, best new director and the jury award, will be released digitally in August.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 19 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 23 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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