film

1 of 2

noun

ˈfilm 

 Southern also  ˈfi(ə)m

plural films

often attributive

1

a

: a thin skin or membranous covering : pellicle

b

: an abnormal growth on or in the eye

2

: a thin covering or coating

a film of ice

3

a

: an exceedingly thin layer : lamina

b(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

a

: movie, motion picture

an award-winning film

film critics

The film will start in ten minutes.

b

: the process, art, or business of making movies

a career in film

She studied film in college.

filmless

ˈfilm-ləs 

adjective

film

2 of 2

verb

filmed; filming; films

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

ˈfil-mə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

Noun

• movie
• documentary

Examples of film in a Sentence

Noun

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.

Verb

Television news crew members came to film the interview.

She filmed the children playing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The film is produced by Bekmambetov under his Bazelevs banner, Majd Nassif through Longevity Pictures, and Ara Keshishian and Petr Jakl of ZQ Entertainment. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 June 2025

His answer is both thoughtful and humble, and perhaps perfectly fitting for a seasoned actor who’s taken on countless roles in Korean film and TV over the past 32 years. —Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Verb

In it, Cherish stars in a new sitcom while filming a reality show pilot for Bravo. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 June 2025

Here’s everything to know so far about the status of The Bear Season 5, including the latest from FX about a potential renewal, the challenges of filming another season, what could happen next and more. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1604, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing film

• cling film
• film badge
• film noir
• on film
• portmanteau film
• roll film
• thin film

Rhymes for film

• biofilm
• microfilm

Kids Definition

film

1 of 2 noun

ˈfilm 

1

: a thin skin or membrane

2

: a thin coating or layer

3

: a roll or strip of thin flexible transparent material coated with a chemical substance sensitive to light and used in taking pictures

4

: motion picture

film

2 of 2 verb

1

: to cover or become covered with film

2

: to make a motion picture of or from

Medical Definition

film

noun

ˈfilm 

1

a

: a thin skin or membranous covering : pellicle

b

: an abnormal growth on or in the eye

2

a

: an exceedingly thin layer : lamina

b

: a thin flexible transparent sheet of cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate coated with a radiation-sensitive emulsion for taking photographs or making radiographs