What does widescreen mean?
Widescreen describes a display, image, or format that is wider than the traditional proportions used for older televisions, computer monitors, and films. It is common in discussions of cinema, television, photography, graphic design, gaming, and consumer electronics: a widescreen television may have a 16:9 aspect ratio, while a widescreen film is presented using an image intended to fill a broad screen. The term became especially familiar as television and film formats shifted from the narrower 4:3 standard toward wider images. Although it can suggest an expansive visual experience, widescreen is primarily a technical description rather than a value judgment. It should not be confused with fullscreen, which refers to filling the available display area regardless of the content's aspect ratio. In everyday use, widescreen often carries the mild implication of a modern or higher-quality visual experience, especially when compared with older standard-definition formats.
Having or using a wide screen or wide image format, especially in film, television, computing, or display technology.
"The widescreen version includes scenes that were cropped from the television broadcast."
Commonly used before words such as television, display, film, monitor, and format.
A display, television, film format, or presentation that uses a wide image area.
"The new widescreen was installed in the classroom."
Usually countable when referring to a physical display or television; it can also be used more broadly for the format or style of presentation.
The plural is used when referring to multiple widescreen displays or televisions.
"The store sells several widescreens in different sizes."
From cinema epics to pocket-sized phones, widescreen describes the long, wide visual formats that have become a standard part of modern media.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of widescreen
“Widescreen” is a transparent compound of “wide” and “screen,” both of which are English words with Old English roots: “wide” from Old English wīd and “screen” from Old English scrēn. The compound emerged in the twentieth century as cinema and television developed wider image formats. Its earliest familiar applications were to film projection and later television, before the term spread to computer displays and other digital media.
How widescreen is actually used
The adjective is standard in British and American English. As a noun, it is commonly countable, especially for televisions, computer displays, and other screens; in film contexts, it can also refer to the format or projection itself.
Easily confused with widescreen
Widescreen describes a wide image or aspect ratio, whereas fullscreen describes a display mode that fills the available screen area.