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

Timing wasn’t on their side, as the motion picture group stacked dizzying losses for WBD this year (despite a banner 2025). — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Affleck’s experience, however, comes against a backdrop of declining employment in the broader motion picture and video production industry. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

There appears to be some talks as to exactly what De Luca and Abdy’s role will be in the new entity, however, the duo weren’t contracted to report into other motion picture chairs, rather the CEO. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026

Several approaches to solving the Rendering Equation in the production of still and motion pictures have arisen in the intervening years. — Artforum, 28 Sep. 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