# screening

/ˈskɹinɪŋ/ (US) · /skɹˈiːnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/screening
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. showing a film

noun · CEFR B1

an occasion when a film is shown to an audience.

For teachers: the act of projecting a motion picture or broadcasting a television programme for an audience.

- The cinema is holding a special screening of the classic movie tonight.
- The documentary received its first public screening at the international film festival, followed by a lengthy discussion with the director.

Usage: Often used with 'of' to indicate the film being shown.

### 2. medical testing

noun · CEFR B2

a test to check for a disease or health problem before symptoms appear.

For teachers: the systematic testing of an asymptomatic population to detect a specific disease or condition at an early stage.

- Regular health screening can help find problems before they become serious.
- The government launched a national screening programme to identify citizens at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Usage: Often functions as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in compound nouns like 'cancer screening'.

### 3. checking people or things

noun · CEFR B2

the process of checking people to see if they are suitable for a job or safe to enter a place.

For teachers: the evaluation or vetting of individuals or objects to determine suitability, security risk, or quality.

- Airport security involves the screening of all passengers and their bags.
- The recruitment agency performs a rigorous screening of all candidates before recommending them to the client.

Usage: Commonly used in security and human resources contexts.

### 4. mesh material

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a wire or plastic mesh used to cover windows or doors to keep insects out.

For teachers: a material consisting of a mesh of wire or plastic, typically used in the construction of screens for windows and doors.

- We need to replace the screening on the back door because it has a hole.
- The porch was enclosed with fine bronze screening to provide a bug-free environment while allowing the breeze to pass through.

Teaching tip: In British English, people are more likely to say 'mesh' or 'netting' for the material itself.

## Examples

- The doctor recommended a routine health screening.
- The company uses a rigorous screening process to ensure all new hires meet their safety standards.
- While the medical screening identifies high-risk patients early, the local cinema is hosting a special screening of the director's debut film to celebrate the anniversary.

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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.