movie

noun

mov·​ie ˈmü-vē 

plural movies

1

: a recording of moving images that tells a story and that people watch (as in a theater or on the screen of a television or mobile device) : motion picture sense 2a

watched a movie after dinner

a movie about the Civil War

an action movie

especially : a feature-length film shown in a movie theater

2

the movies : a showing of a motion picture especially in a theater

went to the movies last Friday

also : a theater that shows movies

What's playing at the movies?

3

the movies : the business of making movies : the medium or industry of film

Synonyms of movie

• film
• documentary

Examples of movie in a Sentence

He wants to work in the movies.

a career in the movies

Recent Examples on the Web

The movie’s currently on track for a $100 million opening in North America alone, and could make $200 million (or more) intentionally. —Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 26 Apr. 2026

The original cut of the movie did reportedly include a third act that discussed allegations from 1993, which Jackson denied. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

The film ends with their relationship status open to interpretation, having previously broken up in the movie. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026

Liu's lead role in the movie marked a groundbreaking moment for Asian representation in Hollywood. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

moving picture

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing movie

• B movie
• home movie
• movie house

Rhymes for movie

• groovy

Kids Definition

movie

noun

mov·​ie ˈmü-vē 

1

: motion picture sense 1

2

a

: a story represented in motion pictures

b

pl : a showing of a movie

went to the movies yesterday

3

plural : the business of making movies : the motion-picture industry