Film
/fɪlm/
Definitions
3 meaningsA thin coating or layer of a substance on a surface.
/fɪlm/
A thin, flexible material or layer.
A thin film of dust coated the car.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super thin layer, like the plastic you put on photos, or a little bit of oil on water. That's a film!
👶 For kids: A very, very thin layer of something, like a sticker that you can peel off.
More Examples
The photographer took the photo, using a roll of film.
A film of grease coated the surface.
How It's Used
"The photographer loaded the camera with a new roll of film."
"A thin film of oil covered the water."
A motion picture; a movie.
/fɪlm/
A movie.
The film was a great success.
💡 Simply: It's like when you go to the movies and watch a story on the big screen!
👶 For kids: A moving picture story that you watch at the cinema.
More Examples
They are making a new film about historical events.
I watched a film at home last night.
How It's Used
"We went to see a film at the cinema."
"The film was critically acclaimed."
To record (an event, scene, performance, etc.) on film or video.
/fɪlm/
To record something on film; to make a movie.
They will film the chase scene tomorrow.
💡 Simply: Think of making a movie! That's when you film something – record it with cameras.
👶 For kids: To make a moving picture story with a camera.
More Examples
The director filmed the interview with the actress.
The movie was filmed on location in Italy.
How It's Used
"They are filming the new series in London."
"The documentary film covered various issues."
Idioms & expressions
film noir
A genre of crime drama films known for their dark and cynical atmosphere.
"Classic film noir movies are loved for their black-and-white visuals and complex storylines."
reel film
A roll of photographic film or magnetic tape for recording images or sound.
"The old projector used reel film to show the movie."
From Old English *filmen*, meaning 'membrane, skin', from Proto-Germanic *filmaz*.
The term 'film' became commonly used to refer to motion pictures in the early 20th century, evolving from the physical material used to record images.
Memory tip
Think of the thin plastic that holds photographic memories, or a very thin layer of something.
Word Origin
"membrane, skin"