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

Paramount has hired David Bruckner to direct and Nick Antosca to write the screenplay. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Reuniting creatives behind the 2006 comedy Grandma’s Boy, the film is directed by Joel David Moore (Avatar) from a screenplay by Swardson and Allen Covert. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026

Rashida Jones and Will McCormack wrote the screenplay for the film that follows two couples at a dinner party that turns into an unpredictable evening exposing messy relationships and desires. — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

This year’s contest recognized emerging writers across feature scripts, a dedicated horror/thriller race, TV pilots, short films, and a special screenplay mentorship category, giving out more than $18,000 in prizes. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 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