celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-yə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce celluloid (audio)
1
: a tough flammable thermoplastic composed essentially of cellulose nitrate and camphor
2
: a motion-picture film
a work … making its third appearance on celluloidJohn McCarten
celluloid adjective

Examples of celluloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Related Stories At Iron Mountain, the company’s work goes far beyond celluloid. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025 And to be sure, there are plenty of novels getting the celluloid treatment on screens small and large in 2025. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025 For example, the spectacular (and immortal) opening tea-house shootout in Hard Boiled was filmed before there was any kind of script or story, because Woo had found out the building was about to be torn down and wanted to preserve its memory on celluloid. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2025 The moment the celluloid begins to reel, an inner tiger is unleashed. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for celluloid

Word History

Etymology

from Celluloid, a trademark

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of celluloid was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Celluloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celluloid. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

celluloid

noun
cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-(y)ə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce celluloid (audio)
1
: a tough flammable plastic
2
: a motion-picture film
watch a western on celluloid

More from Merriam-Webster on celluloid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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