First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1film
noun, often attributive \ˈfilm, Southern also ˈfi(ə)m\
: a special material that is used for taking photographs
: the process, art, or business of making movies
: a thin layer on or over the surface of something
Full Definition of FILM
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
See film defined for English-language learners
See film defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FILM
Middle English filme, from Old English filmen; akin to Greek pelma sole of the foot, Old English fell skin — more at fell
Related to FILM
- Synonyms
- movie, flick, flicker, motion picture, moving picture, picture
2film
verb
: to make a movie of (something) : to photograph (an event, scene, etc.) with a movie or video camera
: to make a movie
Full Definition of FILM
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
— film·able \ˈfil-mə-bəl\ adjective
See film defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FILM
1602
FILM Defined for Kids
1film
noun \ˈfilm\
Definition of FILM for Kids
1
: a roll of material prepared for taking pictures
2
: movie 1
3
: a thin coating or layer
2film
verb
filmedfilm·ing
Definition of FILM for Kids
1
: to make a movie
2
: to photograph on a film
Medical Dictionary
film
noun \ˈfilm\
Medical Definition of FILM
Learn More About FILM
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up film? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).