black and white

Black and white simply means without color. Before the invention of color film stock, all films were black and white. "Monochrome" (literally meaning "one color") usually refers to a film shot in black and white, although it can refer to a film shot in shades of one color. Grainy B&W is often used to convey authenticity. Abbreviated as "BW," "B/W," and "B&W." In contrast to "color."