plural screens
1
a
: the usually flat part of a television or computer monitor that shows the images or text : the part of a television or computer that you look at when you are using it
Don't sit too close to the screen or you'll get a headache.
A pop-up ad appeared on the screen.
a television/TV screen
a computer/display screen
b
: a large, flat, white surface on which images or movies are shown
When I go to the movies, I like to sit close to the screen.
2
: the art or profession of acting in movies
a star of stage and screen [=a famous actor who acts in plays and movies]
The two actors perform well together on screen. [=in movies or on TV]
—often used before another nouna screen actor
She has tremendous screen presence. [=a powerful quality that attracts attention in movies]
3
chiefly US
: a sheet that is made of very small wire or plastic strings which are woven together and that is set in a frame in a window, door, etc., to let air in but keep insects out
a window screen
a screen door [=a door that has a screen built into it]
4
: something that is used to hide, protect, cover, or block a person or thing: such as
a
: a group of trees or plants that separates one area from another
We planted a screen of shrubs so the neighbors couldn't see into our yard.
b
: a large, thin piece of wood, paper, or cloth that is set in a frame and used to separate one room or part of a room from another
You can change your clothes behind the screen.
c
: something that hides the real nature of an activity, feeling, etc.
His activities were just a screen for his real plans.
d
sports
: a planned action in some sports (such as basketball or ice hockey) in which a player or a player's view is legally blocked by an opponent
The goalie couldn't see the puck because of the screen.
5
American football
: screen pass
The quarterback threw a screen to the halfback.
screens; screened; screening
1
: to examine (people or things) in order to decide if they are suitable for a particular purpose
A committee will screen candidates for the job, but the final hiring decision will be made by Ms. Brown.
someone who screens luggage at the airport [=someone who examines the luggage of airplane passengers in order to make sure that nothing dangerous is brought onto an airplane]
We screen the kids' music so that we can approve what they listen to.
He usually screens his (telephone/phone) calls. [=he usually lets his answering machine answer his phone so that he can hear who is calling before he decides to talk to whoever it is]
2
a
: to do a test on (someone) to find out if that person has or is likely to develop a disease
—usually + for
All blood donors are screened for AIDS.
She was screened for breast cancer.
b
: to do a test on (a person's blood, urine, etc.) to find out if the person has been using an illegal substance
—usually + for
All athletes will be screened for performance-enhancing drugs prior to the events.
3
: to show (a movie, television show, etc.) to the public on a screen
We'll be screening his latest film in two weeks.
4
: to hide, protect, cover, or block (someone or something) with a screen
I was screened by the cars so no one saw me.
The altar was screened.
We planted a row of shrubs to screen our backyard from the neighbors.
The goalie was screened on that play. [=players blocked the goalie from seeing the puck]
a screened porch [=a porch that has walls made of screens]
—often used figurativelyWe try to screen our children from the violence on TV.
Cite this Entry
“Screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/screen. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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