noun
Common
screening
SKREE-nihng
Screening (noun) means a medical or background test carried out to detect problems early. Example: “The clinic offers a free screening for people over a certain age.”
noun
1
A medical or background test carried out to detect problems early.
"The clinic offers a free screening for people over a certain age."
"Early screening means doctors can spot problems before any symptoms appear."
"She went in for her annual cancer screening."
2
A public showing of a film.
"We booked tickets for the late screening on Saturday night."
"The school hall hosted a free screening of an old family film."
"The director attended the film's first screening."
3
Mesh material used to keep insects out of a window or door.
"Fine screening over the kitchen window keeps the flies out in summer."
"He cut a strip of screening to patch the hole in the door."
"They replaced the torn screening on the porch door."
How to use screening
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA test to check for a problem, a public film showing, or mesh material used as a barrier.
Common pairings
health screening
film screening
security screening
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Word forms
- Plural
- screenings
Fill the gap
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The clinic offers a free _____ for people over a certain age.
Etymology
Formed from screen plus the noun/verb ending -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for screening
evening
opening
widening
awakening
happening
weakening
deafening
maddening
listening
gardening
sickening
fattening
See all rhymes for screening →
Frequently asked questions
What does “screening” mean?
The word “screening” means a medical or background test carried out to detect problems early. In plain terms, a test to check for a problem, a public film showing, or mesh material used as a barrier.
How do you pronounce “screening”?
“Screening” is pronounced SKREE-nihng (/ˈskɹiːnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “screening” in a sentence?
Here is “screening” used in a sentence: “She went in for her annual cancer screening.”
What part of speech is “screening”?
“Screening” is a noun.
Is “screening” a common word?
“Screening” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “screening” have?
“Screening” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a medical or background test carried out to detect problems early.
What is the difference between a screening and a diagnosis?
A screening is a test carried out to detect possible problems early, often before symptoms appear, and it identifies people who may have a condition. A diagnosis then confirms whether a person actually has the condition, usually through further, more specific tests.
What is the difference between a screening and a test?
A screening is a type of test applied broadly to detect problems early in people who feel well, whereas 'test' is a general word that can also mean a diagnostic check to confirm a suspected condition. Screenings are typically preventive and precede more detailed testing.
What is a 'private screening' of a film?
A private screening is a showing of a film to a limited, invited audience rather than the general public. Such screenings are common for press, industry insiders, or special guests ahead of a wide release.
What words commonly go with 'screening'?
In health contexts, common collocations include 'health screening', 'cancer screening', and 'screening test'. In film contexts, people speak of a 'screening of a film', a 'private screening', and a 'test screening'.
