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 used in 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

There have actually been two things expressly excluded from the definition which is onions and motion picture box office receipts. —Daniel Wallach, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Over the last four years, the local motion picture industry has lost some 57,000 jobs. —Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026

Bernard also sees a silver lining for the motion picture business in Paramount’s commitment to production in New Jersey. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 May 2026

As a result of this connection, Powell received offers to appear in motion pictures. —Arkansas Online, 16 May 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