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on-screen

American  
[on-skreen, awn-] / ˈɒnˈskrin, ˈɔn- /

adjective

  1. occurring within a motion picture or television show or in an actor's professional life.

    a raucous on-screen personality that was at odds with his quiet private life.

  2. displayed on a television screen; supplied by means of television.

    an on-screen course in economics.

adverb

  1. in a motion picture or television program or in one's professional life.

    On-screen he's a villain.

Etymology

Origin of on-screen

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He appeared on-screen in a black robe with a white collar, seated at a desk surrounded by books.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Storm Reid, who played Zendaya's on-screen sister, confirmed in 2023 that she would not be returning for the third season.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

It initially served as the on-screen star’s primary residence for many years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

And yet, Gellar has gotten the shaft time and again, unable to fully break free from the characters she’s known for to craft a new on-screen persona that fans can fall in love with.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

At least, it’s Bit’s big face and crazy teeth that she sees on-screen now.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.