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 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

To him, this underscores the vitality of a tentpole investment mind-set at the motion picture studios. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

That Sony’s motion picture group, headed by Tom Rothman, would come out on top seems almost pre-ordained. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

Let alone playing the lead role in a major motion picture in which everyone wants to talk to him. — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2026

The recipients receiving the lifetime achievement award are considered among the most influential in the world among the disciplines of music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures and television. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 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