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

Its image as a rollicking playpen of vice and corruption emerged in the ‘20s and ‘30s, partly out of screenplays by former Chicago newspaper man Ben Hecht. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026

Hell or High Water world premiered at Cannes and blasted off like a rocket for Lionsgate earning Oscar noms for Best Picture, Jeff Bridges in Supporting Actor, Taylor Sheridan’s original screenplay and film editing. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026

Christian Stangeby co-wrote the screenplay with the director. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026

Collins was a cowriter of the screenplay of the first film, which was directed by Gary Ross. — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Nov. 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