1 C1 formal
Of a camera lens or aperture, to close inward in a circular way.
"At the end of the silent-film parody, the image irised in until only the actor's face remained."
inseparable
iris in
C1 formal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To close a circular camera or film aperture inward, or to create that visual effect.
In plain English
make the picture close into a circle
What does "iris in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
To apply a circular closing visual transition to a shot or scene.
"The editor decided to iris in on the final image to give the ending an old Hollywood feel."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
The iris of a camera closes inward.
Actually means
make the picture close into a circle
Usage tip
Mainly used in film, television, and video-production contexts; uncommon in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "iris in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
camera shot scene aperture lens frame
How to conjugate "iris in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
iris in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
irises in
he/she/it
Past simple
irised in
yesterday
Past participle
irised in
have + pp
-ing form
irising in
continuous
Hear "iris in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "iris in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "iris in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
aperture close close in a circle iris close use an iris effect
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.