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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For those motion picture studios in need of major release date before July 4th, June 25 is now open, that is unless Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5 decides to move up from its Wednesday, June 30, 2027 date. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025 Paramount’s former motion picture group president Michael Ireland oversaw the project during its development at 20th Century Fox and acquired the film in turnaround from Disney before bringing it to Paramount under then studio chief Brian Robbins. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 The motion picture business was largely founded by a series of Jewish immigrants who retained their influence for years, chronicled most famously in An Empire of Their Own by Neil Gabler. Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Renée Zellweger's transformative portrayal of the Wizard of Oz icon earned her a Best Actress Oscar and a Golden Globe for best performance by an actress in a motion picture — drama. Alex Gurley, People.com, 31 Aug. 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 29 Sep. 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

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