the flat part of a computer, phone, television, or other device where words and pictures appear
Maya wiped her phone screen with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints.
The children gathered in front of the big cinema screen as the lights dimmed.
a piece of material or structure that separates, protects, or hides something
She changed her dress behind a folding screen in the corner of the room.
A wire screen over the window kept the mosquitoes out.
present participle of screen: carrying out the act of examining, protecting, or showing something on a screen
The lab is currently screening hundreds of blood samples for the virus.
Workers were screening the sand to remove debris.
✦ screen + -ing as a present participle, used since the 1500s
to show a film, video, or television program to an audience
The local theater will screen the new superhero film tonight.
Our class screened a documentary about oceans during science period.
to check people or things carefully to find problems, dangers, or specific information
Airport security officers screen all bags for prohibited items.
Doctors screen newborn babies for hearing problems.
to block or protect someone or something from being seen or hit
Tall hedges screen the garden from the busy road.
Dark sunglasses screen his eyes from the bright sunlight.
an occasion when a film or television programme is shown to an audience
We attended a late-night screening of the new superhero movie.
The school organized a special screening of the documentary for students.
✦ extended from the sense of 'projecting on a screen' in early cinema (late 1800s)
mesh, netting, or similar material fixed over an opening to keep out insects, light, or unwanted objects
Dad stapled wire screening over the vent to keep mice out of the attic.
The porch was enclosed with fine metal screening so we could sit outside without bugs.
✦ from screen + -ing, referring to the material used to make a protective screen, recorded from mid-1800s
