screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā 

: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for movie production

Synonyms of screenplay

• script

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

Did Lucas and Moore’s original screenplay for The Hangover set the bar so high back in 2009 (near $470M global gross in what became a trilogy) that all subsequent comedies would fall short? — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Over 12 weeks, eight writers will be split across two rooms to develop original screenplays for Artists Equity’s slate. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Trier was also awarded for directing, as well as his screenplay written with longtime collaborator Eskil Vogt. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

The screenplay alternates between info dumps and basic lines of dialogue delivered stonily by an international cabal of anonymous stuntmen. — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for screenplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā 

: the written form of a story prepared for film production