Definition of screen noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

screen

noun

skriːn

skriːn

of TV/computer

1 [countable] the flat surface at the front of a television, computer, or other electronic device, on which you see pictures or informationa computer screena monitor with a 21 inch screenThey were staring at the television screen.Move your cursor to the top of the screen.the screen displayCan you do a printout of this screen for me (= of all the information on it)? see also on-screen

films/movies/TV

2 [countable] the large flat surface that films/movies or pictures are shown ona cinema/movie screenan eight-screen cinemaThe movie will be coming to your screens shortly.

3 (often the screen) [singular, uncountable] films/movies or television in generalHe has adapted the play for the screen.Some actors never watch themselves on screen.She was a star of stage and screen (= plays and films/movies).a screen actor see also off-screen, silver screen, small screen4 [countable] the data or images shown on a computer screen Press the F1 key to display a help screen.

piece of furniture

5 [countable] a vertical piece of furniture or equipment that is fixed or that can be moved to divide a room or to keep one area hidden or separateThe nurse put a screen around the bed.A wooden screen hid one corner of the room. see also fire screen

for hiding/protecting something/somebody

6 [countable] screen (of something) something that prevents somebody from seeing or being aware of something, or that protects somebody/somethingWe planted a screen of tall trees.A screen of bodyguards protected the President. (figurative) All the research was conducted behind a screen of secrecy. see also smokescreen, sunscreen, windscreen

on window/door

7 [countable] (especially North American English) 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 insectsDo you have screens on your windows?screen doors

in church

8 [countable] a wood or stone structure in a church, that partly separates the main area from the altar or choir

Idioms

see below/under the radar (screen)on/off the radar (screen) at radar