screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
Synonyms of screenplaynext
: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for movie production

Synonyms of screenplay

Examples of screenplay in a Sentence

an award for best screenplay each actor will be given a copy of the screenplay to study
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This year, Anderson won best director, best adapted screenplay and best film, while Leonardo DiCaprio was awarded best actor, Benicio del Toro best supporting actor and Chase Infiniti breakthrough performance. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 2026 The two dominated the awards circuit in 1998, winning the Golden Globe for their original screenplay. Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 And ultimately, the movie really does reflect the screenplay, except maybe for large chunks cut out. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026 Ohnooy and Lee Tae-young penned the screenplay. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screenplay

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screenplay was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

screenplay

noun
screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
: the written form of a story prepared for film production

More from Merriam-Webster on screenplay

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