tv

Everyday

1. TV (television) is a machine with a screen that shows programmes, films and news. tree →
2. TV also means the programmes that are shown: watching TV. tree →
3. TV can mean the business of making these programmes: she works in TV. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life children watch TV shows, cartoons and sport; families set rules about screen time. In safety lessons: don't climb on furniture holding a TV, because big TVs can tip over, and TVs should be fixed to the wall. In stories a character may see news on TV. In science a TV screen makes pictures from tiny dots of light (pixels). Phrases: watch TV, on TV, turn on the TV, TV show, TV channel, screen time.

Examples

• We watched a nature programme on TV. tree →
• Can I watch TV after my homework? tree →
• Turn off the TV; it's time for bed. tree →
• My favourite TV show is about animals. tree →
• The heavy TV was fixed to the wall so it couldn't fall. tree →
• Grandma calls it the telly. tree →
• Too much TV before bed can make it hard to sleep. tree →
• The football match is on TV tonight. tree →

Note

Usually written in capital letters: TV (short for television). Plural: TVs. Say «on TV» (on the TV is also used for the machine). «Telly» is informal British and Irish English. Things on TV, including adverts, are not always true.