movie

noun

mov·​ie ˈmü-vē 

plural movies

1

: a recording of moving images that tells a story and that people watch (as in a theater or on the screen of a television or mobile device) : motion picture sense 2a

watched a movie after dinner

a movie about the Civil War

an action movie

especially : a feature-length film shown in a movie theater

2

the movies : a showing of a motion picture especially in a theater

went to the movies last Friday

also : a theater that shows movies

What's playing at the movies?

3

the movies : the business of making movies : the medium or industry of film

Synonyms of movie

• film
• documentary

Examples of movie in a Sentence

He wants to work in the movies.

a career in the movies

Recent Examples on the Web

So the movie’s box office staying power has been a relief since theater owners get to keep about half of ticket sales. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026

In her free time, Yaidalis enjoys going to the movies and listening to music, often finding comfort and inspiration in her favorite songs. —Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026

One reason for its popularity might be the 1999 cult-favorite movie Fight Club, which featured a character named Tyler. —Anna Earl, Parents, 8 Feb. 2026

Nanjiani got serious about the importance of directors making movies in a troubled world before dropping one more zinger. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

moving picture

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing movie

• B movie
• home movie
• movie house

Rhymes for movie

• groovy

Kids Definition

movie

noun

mov·​ie ˈmü-vē 

1

: motion picture sense 1

2

a

: a story represented in motion pictures

b

pl : a showing of a movie

went to the movies yesterday

3

plural : the business of making movies : the motion-picture industry