montage

[ mon-tahzh; French mawn-tazh ]

noun

, plural mon·tag·es [mon-, tah, -zhiz, maw, n, -, tazh].

1. the technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from various sources, as parts of different photographs or fragments of printing, either to give the illusion that the elements belonged together originally or to allow each element to retain its separate identity as a means of adding interest or meaning to the composition. Compare collage ( def 1 ).
2. photomontage.
3. Movies, Television.
   1. juxtaposition or partial superimposition of several shots to form a single image.
   2. a technique of film editing in which this is used to present an idea or set of interconnected ideas.
4. any combination of disparate elements that forms or is felt to form a unified whole, single image, etc.

verb (used with object)

, mon·taged [mon-tahzhd], mon·tag·ing [mon-, tah, -zhing].

1. to make or incorporate into a montage.

montage

/ mɔ̃taʒ; mɒnˈtɑːʒ /

noun

1. the art or process of composing pictures by the superimposition or juxtaposition of miscellaneous elements, such as other pictures or photographs
2. such a composition
3. a method of film editing involving the juxtaposition or partial superimposition of several shots to form a single image
4. a rapidly cut film sequence of this kind

montage

1. In art, making one composition by combining parts or the whole of other pictures, objects, or designs. In film, a stylized form of editing that provides a great deal of information in a short time. For example, the passing of years may be rendered by mixing shots of different seasons with shots of calendar pages turning.

Word History and Origins

Origin of montage¹

1920–25; < French, equivalent to mont ( er ) to mount ¹ + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of montage¹

C20: from French, from monter to mount ¹

Example Sentences

Stewart then played a montage of Democrat ad campaigns that showcased quite conservative politics and policies on immigration even in places like liberal New York state.

From Salon

“The Brian Williams election night spectacular is a 500mg gummy that mentioned in the 4-minute orchestral founding fathers montage intro that there was an eclipse this year,” comedy writer Matt Negrin said in a post to Bluesky.

From Salon

The show closed with a video montage of Windsor's life, from his childhood to becoming a Strictly dancer.

From BBC

“We are kings, champions, queens. We are legends,” the narrator said as the video showed a montage of figures like Roberto Clemente, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and "Hamilton" star Lin-Manuel Miranda.

From Salon

His phone case is a montage of pictures of Shrek.

From BBC

Related Words

• patchwork