English Reference

Word

screening

Phoneticsscreen·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈskɹinɪŋ/

UK/skɹˈiːnɪŋ/

Definitions

01showing a film

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. an occasion when a film is shown to an audience.

n. 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.

02medical testing

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine

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

n. 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'.

Synonyms

check-upexaminationtest

03checking people or things

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

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

n. 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.

Synonyms

vettingbackground checkfiltering

04mesh material

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun American English

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

n. 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.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “screening” in context.

Verb

01. attend a screening

“We were invited to attend a private screening of the director's latest documentary.”

verb + noun

02. undergo screening

“All potential employees must undergo screening to ensure they are suitable for the role.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. rigorous screening

“The security agency uses a rigorous screening process for all new recruits.”

adj + noun

04. routine screening

“Doctors recommend routine screening for patients over the age of fifty.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. cancer screening

“Early cancer screening can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.”

noun + noun

06. screening of the film

“The first public screening of the film will take place at the international festival.”

noun + of + noun

07. screening process

“The screening process for the scholarship involves three separate interviews.”

noun + noun

Real-World Examples

“Air India is to immediately test all its pilots for banned substances after the incident, expanding on existing rules that require at least 10% of pilots to undergo random screening.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026
“Some doctors say this causes unnecessary anxiety and that patients should only rely on national screening programmes through the NHS.”
BBC News 8 Aug 2026

Etymology

From screen + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

screening(B2)

Domains

BusinessMedicine

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference