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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The screenplay is co-written by Dennis Escobedo (Last Summer of Nathan Lee) and Lee, based on Lee’s original story. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026 Dahl eventually wrote a screenplay called Death, Where is Thy Sting-a-ling-ling? Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026 Working from his own screenplay, Cronin barrels over the gaping plot holes — a doctor might have some thoughts here — and gets to the good stuff with the family at home in squirm-inducing close quarters, a live-in demon resting in her bedroom. Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 The production carries a book by Callie Khouri, who wrote the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning screenplay on which it is based, and will be directed by Trip Cullman. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 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 26 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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