screensaver

screensaver — noun

1. a computer program that fills the screen with moving pictures, patterns, or info

1.nounB1
Definition

a computer program that fills the screen with moving pictures, patterns, or information when the user stops using the keyboard or mouse for a period of time

Example

Sahil set his screensaver to show photos from his trip to Japan.

set + screensaver to [purpose]

The fish tank screensaver on Mayumi's old computer still works perfectly.

Common collocations
  • set a screensaver
  • screensaver appears / comes on
  • turn off / disable the screensaver
  • choose / pick a screensaver
  • install a screensaver

Grammar Patterns

a screensaver

the screensaver

Usage Note

Commonly paired with the verb 'set' (to choose or configure) and 'appear' or 'come on' (when the screensaver activates).

Common Mistakes

I downloaded a new wallpaper that shows moving fish.
I downloaded a new screensaver that shows moving fish.
A wallpaper is a static background image; a screensaver is an animated program that activates when the computer is idle.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A screensaver is an animated program that runs when a computer is idle, originally created to prevent screen damage. A wallpaper is a static background picture that stays on the desktop all the time — it never moves or changes on its own. A lock screen appears when you wake a device and requires a password or fingerprint to access, while a screensaver usually disappears as soon as you move the mouse or press a key. For example: 'Mei used a photo of Taipei 101 as her wallpaper, but a floating galaxy animation as her screensaver.' The lock screen, on the other hand, blocks access until the correct PIN is entered.

wallpaper ↗lock screenbackground image

Common collocations

Nouns

  • screensaver program
  • screensaver settings
  • screensaver options

Phrases

  • set as screensaver
  • use as screensaver
  • choose as screensaver
  • screensaver comes on

Prepositions

  • as a screensaver

Etymology

English

Formed by combining 'screen' (the flat surface of a computer monitor) and 'saver' (something that protects or preserves). The word entered common use in the 1980s, when computer monitors could be permanently damaged by showing the same static image for long periods. Screensaver programs 'saved' the screen by constantly changing the display whenever the computer was not being used.