What does screen mean?
A screen is, most commonly, the surface of a television, computer, monitor, or mobile device on which visual information appears. It may also be a physical partition that divides a room, hides an activity, or protects people from wind, insects, or sight. In administrative, medical, and security contexts, screening means examining people or things to determine whether they are suitable for further consideration, treatment, or access. Related verbal uses include protecting an area from view or danger and displaying material for an audience. The word is highly versatile because its basic idea is that of an intervening or presenting surface: it either reveals information through a display or blocks unwanted visibility, exposure, or influence. In modern usage, “screen time” and “on-screen” are especially common, while “smoke screen” remains a familiar figurative expression for a concealment of a larger purpose.
A surface that displays images or information; a partition that divides, conceals, or protects an area; or a filtering device or test.
"The rain hit the windows while the shelter remained behind a screen."
The sense of a visual display is dominant in contemporary usage. Physical partitions and insect screens remain common, especially in British and American English.
To filter or examine for suitability, to protect or separate from view or danger, to conceal, or to display on a screen.
"The committee screened hundreds of applications before selecting a shortlist."
The passive form “be screened for” is especially common in medical, employment, security, and regulatory contexts.
The regular plural of the noun is “screens.”
"Privacy screens can reduce the risk of confidential information being viewed by passers-by."
The word once referred to a shield or protective partition; today it also means the glowing surface through which much of modern life is viewed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does screen come from?
The word descends from Middle English screene, used for a shield or protective partition. Its deeper origin lies in Old English forms related to shielding or screening, with a cognate term also recorded in Old Norse. The modern senses developed from earlier ideas of protection, concealment, and separation before the familiar sense of a visual display arose from the use of screens in photography and motion pictures.
Related word forms
How screen is actually used
The word's meaning depends heavily on context. In everyday use, “screen” often refers to a television, computer monitor, or mobile device; in formal or technical contexts, it commonly refers to filtering or protecting people, materials, or information.
Easily confused with screen
A screen displays or separates, whereas a scene is a particular setting or sequence within a play, film, or narrative.