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

The Academy Library, also known as the Margaret Herrick Library, is one of the world’s foremost research facilities for motion picture preservation and study, with more than 52 million items, including books, photographs, scripts and costume design drawings. —Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026

But motion picture academy voters ultimately warmed to Fanning’s richly nuanced (and deceptively tricky) performance as a Hollywood starlet trying to prove herself as a serious dramatic actress. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026

Neon received 21 Golden Globe nominations, the most of any motion picture studio this year, and took home three wins across The Secret Agent and Sentimental Value. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026

The nominees for the 62nd annual Cinema Audio Society highlight the outstanding contributions of sound mixers, recognizing excellence in the specialized craft of sound mixing for both motion pictures and television. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Jan. 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