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Definition of screen

screen

/skriːn/
screen

Plural:screens
•
Past Simple:screened
•
Past Participle:screened
•
Present Participle:screening
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screen Lexical Profile

screen Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A flat surface on an electronic device or in a cinema on which images, text, or videos are displayed.

Example

"She spent the entire afternoon staring at her computer screen."


2

A physical partition, mesh, or barrier used to divide a space, provide privacy, or protect against insects, wind, or other hazards.

Example

"We installed a screen on the back door to keep the mosquitoes out."


3

A sieve or perforated surface used to separate finer particles of gravel, sand, or other materials from coarser ones.

Example

"The archaeologists passed the loose dirt through a fine screen to recover tiny bone fragments."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To evaluate or examine a person, substance, or group systematically to identify suitability, medical conditions, or security risks.

Example

"The clinic will screen patients for high blood pressure before administering the new medication."


2

To project, broadcast, or show a motion picture, television program, or video to an audience.

Example

"The local theater plans to screen several classic foreign films next month."


3

To conceal, protect, or shelter someone or something with a physical barrier.

Example

"Tall evergreen trees were planted to screen the house from the noise of the highway."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for screen

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'screne', likely from Old French 'escren' or Middle Dutch 'scherm', of Germanic origin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Screen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/screen
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