screenplay
noun
screen·play
ˈskrēn-ˌplā 
: 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
The script for the film was derived from the book, and the screenplay is by Rebecca Sonnenshine.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The two films are competing in the same categories for best wide release, best cinematography, best score, best director, best screenplay, best costume design, and best lead and supporting performances.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Directed and co-produced by Guadagnino with a screenplay from Simon Rich, the upcoming film is said to be a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence — namely, the period at OpenAI that saw CEO Sam Altman abruptly ousted and reinstated within a few days.
—Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
Crooklyn centers on Troy Carmichael, played by Zelda Harris, who is based on Lee’s only sister, Joie, who wrote the original screenplay for the film.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for screenplay
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James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The two films are competing in the same categories for best wide release, best cinematography, best score, best director, best screenplay, best costume design, and best lead and supporting performances.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Directed and co-produced by Guadagnino with a screenplay from Simon Rich, the upcoming film is said to be a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence — namely, the period at OpenAI that saw CEO Sam Altman abruptly ousted and reinstated within a few days.
—Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
Crooklyn centers on Troy Carmichael, played by Zelda Harris, who is based on Lee’s only sister, Joie, who wrote the original screenplay for the film.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for screenplay
Cite this Entry
“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
screenplay
noun
screen·play
ˈskrēn-ˌplā
: the written form of a story prepared for film production
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