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

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
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Those iconic 19th-century photographs that revealed the mystery of how a horse runs – and how motion pictures would one day work? Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 27 June 2025 The motion picture industry is a small percentage (1.4%) of the state’s economic output, but California still leads the country in entertainment employment. Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2025 In late 1965, Brian began working on Pet Sounds with lyricist Tony Asher, recording the instrumentation with the famed Wrecking Crew (that was captured in the 2015 motion picture biopic Love & Mercy). Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 This special showcase invites audience members to explore the history of cinema without words, supported by the sound of an organ, which was common in the 1920s to evoke emotion and provide nuance to this new medium of motion pictures. David Bohnet, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for motion picture

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of motion picture was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Motion picture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motion%20picture. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on motion picture

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