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 whir of science meets the wonder of nature and this charming, gorgeously shot ode to discovery (both on Earth and out there) makes one hope the motion picture academy sees fit to recognize more imaginative nonfiction works going forward. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

Warners releases approximately 15 theatrical movies a year and the beleaguered motion picture exhibition community desperately depends on that output. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026

To Ian Medwell for developing small lead-free pyrotechnic devices used extensively for motion picture production throughout the United Kingdom. —Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

Stone was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture (musical or comedy) at this year's Globes, while Plemons is nominated for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture (musical or comedy). —Mason Leib, ABC News, 18 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