screenplay

noun

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

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.
The screenplay for the 11-episode Disney series was written by Lee Eun-mi, who wrote the dramas Navillera and Tunnel. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 However, this one is billed as a Hank Bohm Film Directed By Fatih Akin, a tip of the hat to the veteran director Bohm now in his 80s who had planned to make this film but had to drop out after completing his screenplay. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 May 2025 Worst Person became a crossover arthouse hit and was nominated for two Oscars, including best international feature and best original screenplay for Trier and co-writer Eskil Vogt. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 Instead, Hannah Reilly was awarded sole screenplay credit. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 20 May 2025 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 28 May. 2025.

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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