motion picture

noun

1

: a series of still pictures displayed on a screen in rapid succession so as to produce the optical effect of continuous video

2

a

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

especially : movie sense 1

starring in a major motion picture

—often used before another noun

a motion picture screen

b

: the business or industry of making movies

—usually used in plural

a bigwig in motion pictures

Synonyms of motion picture

• movie
• moving picture
• film
• documentary

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 Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation bestows the Pioneer of the Year Award upon esteemed members in the motion picture industry in recognition of leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Sacramento on Monday, challenges the transaction as stifling competition for wide release theatrical film distribution, big budget motion picture distribution and licensing of basic cable television channels. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 July 2026

The coalition said in a news release the combined media company, if allowed to merge, would control nearly one-third of theatrical motion pictures and nearly one-third of basic cable programming. — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 13 July 2026

The book was recently made into a major motion picture starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for motion picture

• stricture

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