# FPS

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fps
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. video smoothness

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for frames per second. It measures how many still images appear on a screen every second to create a moving picture.

For teachers: Abbreviation for frames per second. A measure of the frequency at which consecutive images (frames) appear on a display, determining the perceived smoothness of motion.

- The game runs at 60 FPS, which makes the movement look very smooth.
- Competitive gamers often lower their graphical settings to ensure the hardware maintains a consistent FPS above the monitor's refresh rate.

Usage: Usually treated as a plural noun when referring to the frames themselves, but the unit is often used as a singular measurement.

### 2. a type of video game

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

Stands for first-person shooter. This is a type of action game where you see the world through the eyes of the character and use weapons.

For teachers: Abbreviation for first-person shooter. A subgenre of action video games centred on weapon-based combat viewed from the protagonist's perspective.

- He prefers playing an FPS because he likes the fast action and realistic view.
- The studio's latest FPS introduced innovative movement mechanics that distinguished it from other titles in the saturated military shooter market.

Usage: Commonly used as a countable noun to refer to a specific game or as an uncountable noun for the genre.

### 3. measurement of speed

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

Stands for feet per second. It is a way to measure how fast something is moving, mostly used in the US.

For teachers: Abbreviation for feet per second. A unit of speed expressing the distance in feet travelled in one second.

- The arrow left the bow at a speed of 300 FPS.
- Ballistics experts calculated the muzzle velocity in FPS to determine the projectile's kinetic energy upon impact.

## Examples

- The game runs at a smooth 60 FPS.
- Competitive gamers often lower their graphics settings to ensure their hardware maintains a high FPS during intense action.
- While cinema traditionally uses 24 FPS to achieve a specific motion blur, modern digital displays often support much higher rates to reduce input lag and visual stuttering.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.