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

But within days of sending the screenplay, Segan got word that Turturro wanted to have lunch. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Habib recently completed the first draft of the screenplay, with work on the second now underway. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

StudioCanal also acquired the rights to develop Peter Cameron’s novel What Happens At Night, and attached Martin Scorsese to produce the feature film, with Patrick Marber set to adapt the screenplay. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

In addition to directing and appearing in the film, Kaye and Rosato wrote the screenplay. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 21 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