thin film

noun

: a very thin layer of a substance on a supporting material
especially : a coating (as of a semiconductor) that is deposited in a layer one atom or one molecule thick

Examples of thin film in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For concrete or tile, a mild cleaner helps cut through the thin film of pollen and grime that builds up over time. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Glass patio doors are one of the best features a home can have — until they’re covered in smudges, water spots and a thin film of grime that makes the outdoors look overcast even on a sunny day. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 The material’s electrical properties need to be further explored, and researchers will have to find ways to turn it into thin films that can be integrated into real circuits. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026 This is a thin film that has tiny louvres to prevent anyone from seeing your screen when looking at it from an angle. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thin film

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thin film was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Thin film.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thin%20film. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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