scrim

American  

[skrim] / skrɪm /

noun

1. a cotton or linen fabric of open weave used for bunting, curtains, etc.

2. Theater. a piece of such fabric used as a drop, border, or the like, for creating the illusion of a solid wall or backdrop under certain lighting conditions or creating a semitransparent curtain when lit from behind.

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scrim British  

/ skrɪm /

noun

1. an open-weave muslin or hessian fabric, used in upholstery, lining, building, and in the theatre to create the illusion of a solid wall or to suggest haziness, etc, according to the lighting

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Etymology

Origin of scrim

First recorded in 1785–95; origin uncertain

Explanation

In the theater, scrim is gauzy, woven fabric that reflects light in interesting ways. A scene that takes place behind a scrim is mysterious and dramatic. Scrim is also a type of inexpensive, coarse material that's used in upholstery, sail making, and other industries. Theatrical scrim is much lighter, usually translucent, and is used for dramatic effect. Some types can also be used as screens for projected images, or even for clothing. The earliest known use of the word scrim, in 1791, was in the context of upholstery lining.

Example Sentences

Scene 2, a scrim projection informs us, takes place eight years later, moving us back into the time frame of the original libretto.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

The latter song featured a big surprise: actor Dakota Johnson spoke from behind a scrim as the titular character and then appeared next to Allen when the song ended.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2025

But who doesn’t perk up a bit when the scrim of perfection that shields the private lives of high-profile, perfectly turned-out couples is torn, even for one brief moment?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

Then Lee Greenwood live-performed Trump’s longtime walk-on music, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” while a scrim slowly rose to reveal an shadowed Trump on the stage, with his name written behind him.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2024

Sketched upon the pall of soot downstream the outline of a burnt city like a black paper scrim.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

Related Words

• scenery