screensaver

noun
UK /ˈskriːnˌseɪvə/
US /ˈskriːnˌseɪvər/

A picture or moving pattern that shows on a computer screen when you are not using it.

The aquarium screensaver swam with colorful fish while the computer sat idle.


OTHER MEANINGS

2. A program that prevents images from being permanently burned into a screen.

Old CRT monitors needed a screensaver to avoid burn-in.

3. A decorative animation shown during inactivity for entertainment.

He set a flying-toasters screensaver to amuse his coworkers.

4. A lock screen or standby display that appears after a period of no activity.

The phone's screensaver showed the time and a slideshow of family photos.