screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā 

: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for movie production

Synonyms of screenplay

• script

Examples of screenplay in a Sentence

an award for best screenplay

each actor will be given a copy of the screenplay to study

Recent Examples on the Web

Its direction is stodgy and unimpressive, and its screenplay stilted and mawkish. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026

Ian Samuels will direct from a screenplay by Gillian Williams and Paul Shoulberg. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 July 2026

The screenplay for Project Hail Mary was adapted from Weir’s novel by Drew Goddard. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Law enforcement sources said police were considering the possibility that the writings were part of a novel or screenplay, according to the newspaper. — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for screenplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā 

: the written form of a story prepared for film production