noun

montage

/mɑːnˈtɑːʒ/ · say it: mon·TAHZH

a sequence of short shots edited to condense events

In more detail

1. (noun) a technique in film or video where many short clips or images are put together quickly one after another, usually with music, to show a series of events or create a particular effect

2. (noun) a piece of art made by combining many different pictures, photographs, or other materials together on one surface

Examples

The movie used a montage of photos set to music to show how the main character's life changed over time.
The artist created a beautiful montage using old magazine clippings and paint.

How to use montage

Montage is used in film and video production to describe a technique where rapid sequences of shots create momentum, show passage of time, or build emotional impact, often accompanied by music. It is also used in visual arts for assemblages combining diverse materials or images. The term is neutral and technical in film contexts but can be used more generally in creative fields.

Common phrases

film montage
action montage
photo montage
set to music
quick cuts
transition montage

Synonyms

collage · compilation · sequence · medley · assemblage

Word family

montage (noun) · montaged (adjective/verb form)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use montage interchangeably with 'collage' without recognizing that montage in film specifically emphasizes the rapid succession and editing of clips, whereas collage is primarily about static assembly of materials.

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