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

Synonyms

• 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

Manfredi will work closely with Packer, Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs, vice chairman Sandra Stern and the company’s motion picture group. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

The Grand Finale is the end of the beloved tale of the Crawley family over several years, first as a limited and then regular TV drama series, and then as major motion pictures, with this the third and apparently last of them. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 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

The movie is one of the top-grossing motion pictures of all time. —Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025

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