plural films
1
: a special material that is used for taking photographs
Have you bought any film for the camera?
We haven't had the film developed yet.
We shot four rolls of film on our trip. [=we filled four rolls of film with pictures]
2
a
: movie
He's interested in making films about war.
film critics/reviewers/criticism
We'll start the film at 10:00.
The accident was captured on film. [=was recorded by a movie or video camera]
b
: the process, art, or business of making movies
He studied film in college.
her career in film
3
: a thin layer on or over the surface of something
the protective film over a shark's eye
A film of ice covered the sidewalk.
films; filmed; filming
1
: to make a movie of (something) : to photograph (an event, scene, etc.) with a movie or video camera
Television news crew members came to film the interview.
She filmed the children playing.
2
: to make a movie
We'll begin filming [=shooting] next week.
Cite this Entry
“Film.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/film. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.
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