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
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In addition to directing the feature, Newman cowrote the adapted screenplay with John Whittington. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 Jeff Kanew directed the movie, based on a story by Fries and a screenplay by Pamela Norris and Margaret Oberman, produced by Weintraub Entertainment and released through Sony Pictures. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026 Solomon wrote the screenplay with the actor in mind. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 On August 13, 1982, Universal released teen comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High in theaters, marking the directorial debut of Amy Heckerling from a screenplay by Cameron Crowe. Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

screenplay

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

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