film

play

noun, often attributive \ˈfilm, Southern also ˈfi(ə)m\

Definition of film

1a : a thin skin or membranous covering : pellicleb : an abnormal growth on or in the eye
2 : a thin covering or coating a film of ice
3a : an exceedingly thin layer : laminab (1) : a thin flexible transparent sheet (as of plastic) used especially as a wrapping (2) : a thin sheet of cellulose acetate or nitrocellulose coated with a radiation-sensitive emulsion for taking photographs
4 : motion picture

filmless

play \ˈfilm-ləs\ adjective

See film defined for English-language learners

See film defined for kids

Examples of film in a Sentence

Have you bought any film for the camera?
We haven't had the film developed yet.
He's interested in making films about war.
We'll start the film at 10:00.
He studied film in college.
the protective film over a shark's eye
A film of ice covered the sidewalk.

Origin and Etymology of film

Middle English filme, from Old English filmen; akin to Greek pelma sole of the foot, Old English fell skin — more at fell

NEW!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Pictures (on film) Terms

daguerreotype, emulsion, fill, sepia, still, stop

film

verb

Definition of film

transitive verb
1 : to cover with or as if with a film
2 : to make a motion picture of or from film a scene
intransitive verb
1 : to become covered or obscured with or as if with a film
2 : to make a motion picture

filmable

play \ˈfil-mə-bəl\ adjective

See film defined for English-language learners

Examples of film in a Sentence

Television news crew members came to film the interview.
She filmed the children playing.

First Known Use of film

1604

FILM Defined for English Language Learners

film

play

noun

Definition of film for English Language Learners

: a special material that is used for taking photographs
: the process, art, or business of making movies
: a thin layer on or over the surface of something

film

verb

Definition of film for English Language Learners

: to make a movie of (something) : to photograph (an event, scene, etc.) with a movie or video camera
: to make a movie

FILM Defined for Kids

film

play

noun \ˈfilm\

Definition of film for Students

1 : a roll of material prepared for taking pictures
2 : movie 1
3 : a thin coating or layer

film

play

verb

Definition of film for Students

filmed

;

filming

1 : to make a movie
2 : to photograph on a film

Medical Dictionary

film

play

noun \ˈfilm\

Medical Definition of film

1a: a thin skin or membranous covering : pellicleb: an abnormal growth on or in the eye
2a: an exceedingly thin layer : laminab: a thin flexible transparent sheet of cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate coated with a radiation-sensitive emulsion for taking photographs or making radiographs