cinematography
noun
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
Philip Martin… this film, directed by Cameron Crowe, has better acting, more depth, and also boasts gorgeous cinematography.—Nancy Gordon
Nancy GordonExamples of cinematography in a Sentence
The film's cinematography is breathtaking.
Who did the cinematography for this film?
Recent Examples on the Web
This spotlight on the art and craft of visual effects explores how VFX teams work in close collaboration with directors, producers, and heads of department – across costume, production design, cinematography, stunts, and performance – to bring stories to life.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
As are the cinematography and production details.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
The two films are competing in the same categories for best wide release, best cinematography, best score, best director, best screenplay, best costume design, and best lead and supporting performances.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Yet the superb cinematography by Jaime Ackroyd helps to ride over excesses in the direction.
—Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
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Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
As are the cinematography and production details.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
The two films are competing in the same categories for best wide release, best cinematography, best score, best director, best screenplay, best costume design, and best lead and supporting performances.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Yet the superb cinematography by Jaime Ackroyd helps to ride over excesses in the direction.
—Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cinematography
Cite this Entry
“Cinematography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cinematography
noun
cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy
ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē
: the art or science of motion-picture photography
cinematographer
noun
-fər
Medical Definition
cinematography
noun
cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy
ˌsin-ə-mə-ˈtäg-rə-fē
plural cinematographies
: the art or science of motion-picture photography
X-ray fluoroscopic cinematography
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