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.
Gunn, who also wrote the screenplay, avoids the origin story route as the action picks up with Kent already established as a reporter at the Daily Planet and Superman a beloved superhero fixture — but Luthor has a plan to change that. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The screenplay was written by Tom Edmunds and Craig McInnes, based on an original story by McInnes. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 July 2025 Caitlin Parrish & Erica Weiss and Logan Miller & Noah Miller wrote the screenplay, from a story by Logan Miller & Noah Miller. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2025 The risible ending lets down both actors, each of whom give it their all (especially Glusman) while the screenplay feels like there are chunks of character motivations and development tossed into the trash. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 July 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 18 Jul. 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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