stop-motion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical (cinema), descriptive.
Quick answer
What does “stop-motion” mean?
A filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the frames are played sequentially.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the frames are played sequentially.
Can refer to the resulting film itself, or the art/craft of creating such films. May also describe a specific aesthetic or genre characterized by this technique.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The hyphenated form 'stop-motion' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Associated with classic children's programming (e.g., 'The Wombles', 'The Clangers') and Aardman Animations ('Wallace and Gromit') in the UK. In the US, strongly associated with Ray Harryhausen's special effects and Tim Burton's films. Both varieties share connotations of artistry, nostalgia, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger film industry discourse, but the term is equally understood and used in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “stop-motion” in a Sentence
[make/create/shoot/direct] + a + [stop-motion film/animation/sequence][film/animation/sequence/short] + is + [in] + stop-motionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stop-motion” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The BBC's 'The Clangers' is a beloved example of British stop-motion.
- Aardman Studios in Bristol is world-famous for its stop-motion.
American English
- The special effects in 'Jason and the Argonauts' pioneered American stop-motion.
- Laika Studios produces feature-length stop-motion films.
adjective
British English
- They are working on a new stop-motion project for Channel 4.
- The stop-motion sequence required twelve animators.
American English
- He is a leading stop-motion animator in Hollywood.
- The film uses a hybrid of stop-motion and CGI elements.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in film/TV production budgets, pitches, and marketing materials to describe a project's format.
Academic
Used in film studies, media studies, and animation history to analyze techniques, aesthetics, and the work of specific animators.
Everyday
Used to describe the type of animation seen in specific films or TV shows (e.g., 'Is that new film CGI or stop-motion?').
Technical
Precise term in cinematography, animation software (e.g., 'stop-motion capture'), and VFX pipelines, detailing frame rates, rig removal, and compositing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stop-motion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stop-motion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stop-motion”
- Writing it as one word ('stopmotion') or two words ('stop motion') when used attributively. The hyphenated form is standard for the compound noun/adjective.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We will stop-motion this scene'). The correct verb phrase is 'shoot in stop-motion' or 'animate using stop-motion'.
- Confusing it with time-lapse photography. Stop-motion creates movement from stillness; time-lapse compresses long real-time events.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Claymation is a specific type of stop-motion that uses clay or plasticine figures. Stop-motion is the broader category, which can also involve puppets, cut-outs, or everyday objects.
Because each second of film typically requires 12 to 24 individually posed and photographed frames. A single minute can involve over a thousand meticulous adjustments and photos.
Yes, modern stop-motion films frequently use CGI (computer-generated imagery) for complex backgrounds, visual effects (like fire or water), or to remove the rigs and supports used to hold puppets in place.
Stop-motion animates three-dimensional physical objects in real space, photographed by a camera. Traditional 2D animation creates the illusion of movement through a series of two-dimensional drawings or digital illustrations.
A filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the frames are played sequentially.
Stop-motion is usually formal, technical (cinema), descriptive. in register.
Stop-motion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɒp ˌməʊʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːp ˌmoʊʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a real stop-motion job.”
- “(slang, film crew) referring to any slow, painstaking, incremental task.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a film crew yelling 'STOP!' to freeze the scene, then they MOTION the puppet slightly, then take a picture. Repeat. STOP. MOTION. Picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MANIPULABLE OBJECTS: The technique metaphors time as a series of discrete, controllable moments where inanimate objects are granted life through patient intervention.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key distinguishing feature of stop-motion animation?