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cinematography

American  
[sin-uh-muh-tog-ruh-fee] / ˌsɪn ə məˈtɒg rə fi /

noun

  1. the art or technique of video photography, traditionally used in movies, but also in the production of TV shows and other video content.

    The agency is hiring award-winning film directors to elevate these television commercials with classic cinematography and state-of-the-art special effects.

  2. the artistic vision, tone, look, and feel of a video production.

    The film’s warm cinematography and romantic musical score immerse the audience immediately in a sweet and nostalgic world.


cinematography British  
/ ˌsɪnɪməˈtɒɡrəfɪ, ˌsɪnɪˌmætəˈɡræfɪk, ˌsɪnɪməˈtɒɡrəfə /

noun

  1. the art or science of film (motion-picture) photography

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • cinematographer noun
  • cinematographic adjective
  • cinematographically adverb

Etymology

Origin of cinematography

First recorded in 1895–1900; cinematograph, -graphy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It may not sound like compelling TV, but somehow it is, with family drama, competitive pressures, beautifully cinematography and fascinating insight into an exclusive world that most of us will never know.

From MarketWatch

AI can fill the demand for cinematography but can never replace the art itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

It's no secret the Avatar films are a gigantic technical feat - pushing the boundaries of cinematography, animation and performance capture.

From BBC

Orson Welles didn’t shun technology in “Citizen Kane”; he pioneered deep-focus cinematography, added ceilings to sets for unprecedented angles, manipulated lighting for psychological texture, and cut time with “lightning mixes” that astonished audiences.

From The Wall Street Journal

The exquisite nature of the performances, writing, direction, cinematography and score has made one of the best Jane Austen adaptations a go-to comfort film for when you’re feeling ill.

From Los Angeles Times