- 1[countable] the flat surface at the front of a television or computer, on which you see pictures or information a computer screen a monitor with a 21 inch screen They were staring at the television screen. Move your cursor to the top of the screen. the screen display Can you do a printout of this screen for me (= of all the information on it)? see on-screen
- 2[countable] the large flat surface that movies or pictures are shown on a movie screen an eight-screen movie theater The movie will be coming to your screens shortly.
- 3the screen [singular, uncountable] movies or television in general He has adapted the play for the screen. Some actors never watch themselves on screen. She was a star of stage and screen (= plays and movies). a screen actor see off-screen, silver screen, small screen
- 4[countable] the data or images shown on a computer screen Press the F1 key to display a help screen. on window/door
- 5[countable] a wire or plastic net that is held in a frame and fastened on a window, or a door, to let in air but keep out insects Do you have screens on your windows? piece of furniture
- 6[countable] a vertical piece of furniture or equipment, especially one that can be moved around, that is used to divide a room or to keep one area hidden or separate The nurse put a screen around the bed. A wooden screen hid one corner of the room. see fire screen for hiding/protecting something or someone
- 7[countable] screen (of something) something that prevents someone from seeing or being aware of something, or that protects someone or something We planted a screen of tall trees. A screen of Secret Service agents protected the President. (figurative) All the research was conducted behind a screen of secrecy. see smokescreen, sunscreen
- 8[countable] a wood or stone structure in a church, that partly separates the main area from the altar or choir Idioms
TV/computer/movies
used to say that people's attention is on or not on something The issue of terrorism is back on the radar screen. Since the scandal broke, all other issues seem to have disappeared off the radar screen as far as the media is concerned.
Check pronunciation: screen