screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
Synonyms of screenplaynext
: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for movie production

Synonyms of screenplay

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The screenplay was adapted by Marguerite Roberts and Portis wrote the final scene to give the film a more positive ending than that of the novel, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2026 Waititi wrote the screenplay with Dahvi Waller, based on Ishiguro’s novel, which published in March 2021. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 22 June 2026 Sony’s 3000 Pictures acquired the screen rights to Ishiguro’s novel in July 2020, with Dahvi Waller being announced to pen the screenplay in March 2021. Selena Kuznikov, Variety, 22 June 2026 Deborah Frances-White wrote the screenplay. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 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 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

screenplay

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

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