screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
: 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
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That means that since the academy expanded the best picture field 15 years ago, every screenplay winner — original and adapted — has come from a movie nominated for best picture. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025 Borte, alongside Daniel Forte (American Dreamer), wrote the screenplay based on the Thomas Perry novel, Strip. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025 Best documentary feature How to watch: In limited theaters; streaming details TBA A Real Pain Nominations: Best actor in a supporting role, best original screenplay How to watch: Stream on Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube. Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 After winning best screenplay during the 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, the A Real Pain writer/director/actor used a large part of his acceptance speech to rave about longtime collaborator and friend Stone, who was a producer on the film. Jen Juneau, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for screenplay

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screenplay was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

screenplay

noun
screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
: the written form of a story prepared for film production

More from Merriam-Webster on screenplay

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