1 [count] a : the usually flat part of a television or computer monitor that shows the images or text : the part of a television or computer that you look at when you are using it ▪ Don't sit too close to the screen or you'll get a headache. ▪ A pop-up ad appeared on the screen. ▪ a television/TV screen ▪ a computer/display screen —see picture at computer b : a large, flat, white surface on which images or movies are shown ▪ When I go to the movies, I like to sit close to the screen.
2 [noncount] : the art or profession of acting in movies ▪ a star of stage and screen [=a famous actor who acts in plays and movies] ▪ The two actors perform well together on screen. [=in movies or on TV] —often used before another noun ▪ a screen actor ▪ She has tremendous screen presence. [=a powerful quality that attracts attention in movies] —see also big screen, silver screen
3 [count] chiefly US : a sheet that is made of very small wire or plastic strings which are woven together and that is set in a frame in a window, door, etc., to let air in but keep insects out ▪ a window screen ▪ a screen door [=a door that has a screen built into it]
4 [count] : something that is used to hide, protect, cover, or block a person or thing: such as a : a group of trees or plants that separates one area from another ▪ We planted a screen of shrubs so the neighbors couldn't see into our yard. b : a large, thin piece of wood, paper, or cloth that is set in a frame and used to separate one room or part of a room from another ▪ You can change your clothes behind the screen. c : something that hides the real nature of an activity, feeling, etc. ▪ His activities were just a screen for his real plans. d sports : a planned action in some sports (such as basketball or ice hockey) in which a player or a player's view is legally blocked by an opponent ▪ The goalie couldn't see the puck because of the screen. —see also smoke screen, sunscreen, windscreen
5 [count] American football : screen pass ▪ The quarterback threw a screen to the halfback.