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

The fall of 1984 saw the motion picture industry change drastically as many of the major studios changed heads — and in some cases owners. — Richard Natale, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

The television nominations will be announced on Thursday, December 3, followed by the motion picture noms on Wednesday, January 13. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

The 10-time Grammy winner plays main character Esther Greenwood in the film, marking her major motion picture debut. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026

Eva Marie Saint, the ethereal beauty who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in her first motion picture, On the Waterfront, then dazzled audiences as a double agent in North by Northwest, died Tuesday. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 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