celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-yə-ˌlȯid 

1

: a tough flammable thermoplastic composed essentially of cellulose nitrate and camphor

2

old-fashioned : motion-picture film

… a work … making its third appearance on celluloid.

—John McCarten

celluloid adjective

Examples of celluloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many original prints were later lost, particularly during World War I, when film materials were melted down for their silver and celluloid content. —Ryan Brennan april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026

Due to widespread unauthorized copying, material decay and the destruction of film stock during World War I — when silver and celluloid were extracted from original negatives — a significant portion of Méliès’ catalog was lost to history. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Many original Méliès negatives were lost for good during World War I, when their silver and celluloid were extracted by melting them down. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026

However, some filmmakers still swear by Kodak celluloid, including Christopher Nolan. —Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from Celluloid, a trademark

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for celluloid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• coronoid
• humanoid

Kids Definition

celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-(y)ə-ˌlȯid 

1

: a tough flammable plastic

2

: a motion-picture film

watch a western on celluloid