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
… this film, directed by Cameron Crowe, has better acting, more depth, and also boasts gorgeous cinematography.—Nancy Gordon
cin·e·mat·o·graph·ic
¦si-nə-ˌma-tə-¦gra-fik
variants
or less commonly cinematographical
¦si-nə-ˌma-tə-¦gra-fi-kəl
1
a
: peculiar to, used in, or connected with cinematography
b
: skilled in cinematography
2
: filmed for or reproduced by means of motion-picture projection
3
a
: conveyed or evoked by motion pictures
b
: having qualities in common with cinematography
specifically
: using devices suggestive of motion-picture technique
Cite this Entry
“Cinematography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.
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