script

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈskript 

plural scripts

1

a

: something written : text

b

: an original or principal instrument or document

c(1)

: manuscript sense 1

(2)

: the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast

specifically : the one used in production or performance

2

a

: a style of printed letters that resembles handwriting

b

: written characters : handwriting

c

: alphabet

3

: a plan of action

4

computing : a sequence of instructions or commands for a computer to execute

especially : one that automates a small task (such as assembling or sorting a set of data)

Two engineers, a biologist and a zoologist wrote a computer script that downloaded the lyrics, band names and genre categories from all songs on the website www.metalkingdom.net.

—Fedor Zarkhin

script

2 of 3

verb

scripted; scripting; scripts

transitive verb

1

: to prepare a script for or from

2

: to provide carefully considered details for (such as a plan of action)

an event carefully scripted to attract attention

script

3 of 3

noun (2)

: prescription sense 4a

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• hand
• handwriting
• penmanship

Examples of script in a Sentence

Noun (1)

has a neat, careful script with delicate loops

sold two scripts to the movie studio

sending a thank-you note in script—and not just an e-mail—is the only proper way to express one's gratitude

Verb

I scripted three episodes of the show.

The discussion couldn't have gone better if we had scripted it.

The trip didn't go as scripted.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In alternative versions of the script, Agent Perryman (Adam Best), the Irish MI5 agent, was responsible. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024

Original writer Alex Garland has also returned to pen the script along with Boyle. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2024

Verb

For both France and the Catholic Church, the televised and tightly scripted ceremonies will be an opportunity to display resilience and global influence. —John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Heller scripted the dialogue and structured the coverage so that the film always emphasizes the emotional undercurrent of a relationship — whether things are about to erupt in anger or are slow and simmering, where what’s not being said is key. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin scriptum thing written, from neuter of scriptus, past participle of scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1887, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing script

• co-script
• flip the script
• shooting script

Kids Definition

script

noun

ˈskript

1

a

: something written : text

b

: the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast

2

: letters and figures written by hand : handwriting

Medical Definition

script

noun

ˈskript 

: prescription sense 1