montage

[mon-tahzh, mawn-tazh]

noun

plural

montages 

1. the technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from various sources, as parts of different photographs or fragments of printing, either to give the illusion that the elements belonged together originally or to allow each element to retain its separate identity as a means of adding interest or meaning to the composition.

2. photomontage.

3. Movies, Television.

   1. juxtaposition or partial superimposition of several shots to form a single image.

   2. a technique of film editing in which this is used to present an idea or set of interconnected ideas.

4. any combination of disparate elements that forms or is felt to form a unified whole, single image, etc.

verb (used with object)

montaged, montaging 

1. to make or incorporate into a montage.

montage

/ mɔ̃taʒ, mɒnˈtɑːʒ /

noun

1. the art or process of composing pictures by the superimposition or juxtaposition of miscellaneous elements, such as other pictures or photographs

2. such a composition

3. a method of film editing involving the juxtaposition or partial superimposition of several shots to form a single image

4. a rapidly cut film sequence of this kind

montage

1. In art, making one composition by combining parts or the whole of other pictures, objects, or designs. In film, a stylized form of editing that provides a great deal of information in a short time. For example, the passing of years may be rendered by mixing shots of different seasons with shots of calendar pages turning.

Word History and Origins

Origin of montage¹

1920–25; < French, equivalent to mont ( er ) to mount ¹ + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of montage¹

C20: from French, from monter to _mount ¹

Example Sentences

The court heard these included a man claiming he wanted photos for a "sentimental montage" for his grandfather, and a woman saying she was buying a nearby property and needed a drainage survey.

Read more on BBC

The movie concludes with a montage, set to the final words of Joyce’s story, that feels like the filmmaker’s last look at the world.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He co-directed Bieber once again for the “Stuck with U” music video, a montage of loved ones dancing and embracing in their homes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s a slow-fast rhythm to the cutting; short scenes alternate with long; memories explode in montage.

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Over a montage set to Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Bezucha checks in with every member of the Stone family.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• patchwork