Screen
/skriːn/
Definitions
4 meaningsA surface for displaying images or text, typically electronic or physical.
/skriːn/
A flat surface for displaying images or information.
She stared at the screen, watching the news.
💡 Simply: It's like the window to your computer, phone, or TV where you see all the pictures and words. Like, when you watch a movie, the big screen shows you the story!
👶 For kids: A screen is like a window that shows you pictures, videos, and games!
More Examples
The smartphone has a high-resolution screen.
The director chose to project the film onto a massive screen.
How It's Used
"The computer screen displayed the document."
"The movie was projected onto the big screen."
A barrier or protective device used to shield, hide, or filter.
/skriːn/
A protective device or barrier.
The window screen prevented mosquitoes from entering the house.
💡 Simply: A screen can also be something that protects you or keeps things out, like the mesh on your window that stops bugs from coming in! Or maybe a screen that offers you privacy when you’re getting changed.
👶 For kids: A screen can also be something like a net that keeps bugs away from your window.
More Examples
They used a privacy screen to block the view from the street.
A sun screen protects you from the sun's rays.
How It's Used
"The screen on the window kept the insects out."
"They built a screen to provide privacy in the garden."
To protect, hide, or examine something carefully to determine suitability or eligibility.
/skriːn/
To protect or hide something.
The company screened all potential employees.
💡 Simply: Screening is like checking or protecting something. If you screen a movie, you're checking it out. If you screen someone from something, you're protecting them. Like, when you choose who to invite to your party, you 'screen' people to make sure everyone is a good fit!
👶 For kids: To screen something is like to protect it or check if it's okay.
More Examples
The detective screened the witness.
The bushes screened the house from the road.
How It's Used
"The troops were screened by a line of scouts."
"The job applicants were screened for their qualifications."
To display or present a film, program, or event.
/skriːn/
To show a film or program.
The independent film was screened at the festival.
💡 Simply: To screen is to show a movie or TV show. Like, 'Tonight, we're going to screen a funny cartoon for the kids!'
👶 For kids: To screen something is to show it, like a movie!
More Examples
The news channel screened the live debate.
The movie will be screened at the art house theater.
How It's Used
"The film will screen at the local cinema next week."
"The television channel will screen the new series tonight."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
screen time
The amount of time spent using electronic devices with screens.
"The doctor recommended reducing screen time for the child."
behind the scenes
Secretly; out of public view.
"Much work goes on behind the scenes."
From Middle English scren, screene, from Middle Dutch scherm or Middle Low German scherm (compare German Schirm). Related to shed and shelter.
The word screen has been used since the Middle Ages, originally referring to a shield or protective device.
Memory tip
Think of a TV or a movie theater—the screen is where you see the action.
Word Origin
"to protect, shield"