'cinematography' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kinēma,' where 'kinē-' meant 'movement' and 'grapho' meant 'to write or record.'

'cinematography' changed from the French word 'cinématographie' and eventually became the modern English word 'cinematography'.

Initially, it meant 'the recording of movement,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the art or technique of motion-picture photography.'