motion picture

noun

1

: a series of pictures projected on a screen in rapid succession with objects shown in successive positions slightly changed so as to produce the optical effect of a continuous picture in which the objects move

2

: a representation (as of a story) by means of motion pictures : movie

Synonyms

• film
• flick
• flicker
• movie
• moving picture
• picture

Examples of motion picture in a Sentence

He was given a starring role in a major motion picture.

a popular novel that was made into a major motion picture

Recent Examples on the Web

The movie also dominated at the NAACP Image Awards with 11 wins, including the prize for outstanding motion picture. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024

Deadline for the receipt of motion picture nomination ballots. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2024

Gossett was of that small group of Black actors who came on the scene in the 1960s and managed to endure, going from theater to TV to motion pictures. —Wil Haygood, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

The event hosts north of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all corners of the industry including exhibition, distribution, marketing, promotion, equipment and concession areas. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

The actor took on small roles in film and television before gaining critical attention in the 2017 period crime drama Detroit, which earned him a nomination for outstanding actor in a motion picture at the 2018 NAACP Image Awards. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024

In 1924, the relatively small-scale motion picture company Cohn-Brandt-Cohn rebranded itself as Columbia Pictures, now owned by Sony. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Mar. 2024

The decreasing volume of major motion pictures shot in California continues a long-term pattern. —Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024

The tabloid noted that the motion picture has been delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

motion picture

noun

1

: a series of pictures projected on a screen rapidly one after another so as to give the appearance of a continuous picture in which the objects move

2

: movie sense 2