stop-motion

noun

stop-mo·​tion ˈstäp-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce stop-motion (audio)
often attributive
: a filming technique in which successive positions of objects (such as clay models) are photographed to produce the appearance of movement

Examples of stop-motion 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.
In other words, there’s a lot to chew on while marveling at its color scheme, stop-motion animation and set design. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 To further add a dissociative effect, the entire film is done with stop-motion puppets, creating an otherworldly effect on such a mundane tale. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026 This collaboration will allow many Canadian artisans and creators to contribute to this stop-motion film, which is sure to have a major impact on audiences. — John Hopewell, Variety, 22 June 2026 The Hollywood star is also set to lend his voice to the title role of Hidari, a Japanese stop-motion action feature in development from director Masashi Kawamura. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stop-motion

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stop-motion was in 1912

Rhymes for stop-motion

See All Rhymes for stop-motion

Browse Nearby Words

stop-loss order
stop-motion
stop net
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stop-motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stop-motion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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