motion picture

noun

1
: a series of pictures projected on a screen in rapid succession with objects shown in successive positions slightly changed so as to produce the optical effect of a continuous picture in which the objects move
2
: a representation (as of a story) by means of motion pictures : movie

Examples of motion picture in a Sentence

He was given a starring role in a major motion picture. a popular novel that was made into a major motion picture
Recent Examples on the Web The tabloid noted that the motion picture has been delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 Of course, The Color Purple movie musical cleaned up with a staggering 12 wins, including outstanding motion picture, outstanding soundtrack/compilation album and four individual acting awards. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2024 Winners include Ava DuVernay, who took home the award for best directing in a motion picture for Origin, and Cord Jefferson, who won outstanding writing in a motion picture for American Fiction. Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 There is also a report from Jessica Gelt and Matt Brennan, who attended the motion picture academy’s official Governors Ball party. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Categories like Entertainer of the Year as well the major motion picture and television awards will be announced when the 55th NAACP Image Awards airs live March 16th at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024 Phillips, who brings more than two decades of agency experience to Verve, was most recently co-head of the motion picture literary department at A3 Artists Agency. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 The film had already made a huge impact this awards season, winning best motion picture – drama at the Golden Globes, best film at the BAFTAs and best ensemble at the SAG Awards. Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Nominated for best female actor in a leading role in a motion picture for her work in Poor Things, Stone showed up in full movie star mode, wearing a silver-lilac beaded custom gown by Louis Vuitton with feathers embroidered onto the bodice. Lindy Segal, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motion picture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of motion picture was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near motion picture

Cite this Entry

“Motion picture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motion%20picture. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

motion picture

noun
1
: a series of pictures projected on a screen rapidly one after another so as to give the appearance of a continuous picture in which the objects move
2

More from Merriam-Webster on motion picture

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