'kinematograph' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'κίνημα' ('kinēma') meaning 'movement' and 'γράφειν' ('graphein') meaning 'to write' or 'to record'.

'kinematograph' was coined in the late 19th century (compare French 'kinématographe') and was adopted into English to name early motion-picture devices; it developed alongside related terms such as 'cinematograph' and 'cinematography'.

Initially it meant 'a device for recording or projecting movement (motion pictures)'; over time the term became largely obsolete and its sense was absorbed by terms like 'cinematograph', 'movie camera', and 'projector', though the basic meaning has remained.