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

In a screenplay structured in three acts, that’s the point at which everything falls apart. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Brian Duffield penned the first draft of the screenplay based off a short story by Philip Fracassi, with revisions by Mollner. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 July 2026

Mogul Mowgli filmmaker Bassam Tariq was later hired to direct the film, with Watchmen‘s Stacy Osei-Kuffour writing the screenplay. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

While the majority of classicists are embracing the spectacle of Nolan’s blockbuster, opinions start to diverge when discussing his adaptation of Homer’s language for the screenplay. — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 18 July 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