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

Fraser was named agent in motion picture talent. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

The motion picture business has been totally run out of the state of California. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026

Walt Disney, 63-year-old artistic genius of the Disney empire, may not be an officer of Walt Disney Productions, parent company which produces motion pictures for theatrical and television distribution and operates Disneyland Park. —Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026

The disparity between the choices of the motion picture academy and SAG-AFTRA could be an anomaly. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 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