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

Cantor was referring to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, formed in 1927 and seen as a company union whose main purpose was less to honor excellence in the motion picture arts than to keep a tight rein on artists who wanted a bigger slice of the pie. —Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026

The Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA has announced the complete list of stunt performers and coordinators nominated for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in motion pictures and television series. —Kennedy French, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026

But until this year, the motion picture academy operated entirely on the honor system, strongly encouraging members to see everything before voting. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

Warners releases approximately 15 theatrical movies a year and the beleaguered motion picture exhibition community desperately depends on that output. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Feb. 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